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Reading age
10-17
Genre
Realistic fiction
Publisher
Publication date
December 8, 2023
Step into Katrina’s shoes as she navigates through middle school with her friends.
Despite her peaceful-sounding name, Katrina Calm faces significant challenges in middle school, particularly with anxiety. Throughout seventh grade, she navigates her struggles with the support of her best friends and forms strong bonds. As she deals with panic attacks and a persistent bully, she seeks to find strength and utilizes strategies learned in a mindfulness club. The story follows Katrina’s journey to discover her sense of Calm amid turmoil.
This book offers a compelling and relatable glimpse into the world of a middle schooler, evoking memories of my own experiences during that pivotal time in life. The author skillfully portrays Katrina’s struggles with anxiety, which adds depth to her character and elicits a profound sense of sympathy from readers who can identify with her challenges.
Katrina stands out as a profoundly relatable protagonist; her worries and insecurities resonate strongly, making it impossible not to empathize with her. In contrast, Junior emerges as a steadfast and loyal friend, providing a sense of support that many can appreciate. Summer’s vibrant and engaging personality adds a refreshing dynamic to the story. At the same time, Lea’s character, though not particularly kind, introduces an interesting layer of complexity to the social interactions at school.
This book is perfect for anyone seeking a narrative that reflects their personal struggles or experiences. It offers a comforting reminder that they are not alone in their journey.