Telgemeier’s Guts is an important addition to the (too short) lineup of middle-grade books about anxiety (and emetophobia, in this case). I liked Raina’s parents a lot and loved the way she shows kids that everyone has things they’re afraid to share, but that with people who love you, sharing is more than welcome. Besides dealing with the squabbles of living in a small home and sharing spaces, there’s also a mean girl at school, a friend of a different culture, and even the fun of trying (and loving!) new foods. Raina’s friends and family are also central to the book’s plot - and there’s enough good drama to keep readers entertained. The scenes with her therapist were insightful and can mitigate any fears kids may have about seeing a therapist. This book is also an excellent portrayal of anxiety and how exactly therapy can benefit kids with anxiety.

Guts was also my first Telgemeier book, and having heard so many good things, how nice that I was still impressed! Her storytelling is relatable and absorbing I read the entire thing in one sitting. Kindle graphic novels done in partnership with comiXology appear better on iPad that the basic graphic novel. I decided to buy this book while making this list of 36 graphic novels for middle-schoolers - and it was a good call! I read it on my iPad using the Kindle app and the experience was seamless it felt like reading the real thing, except I could also zoom in, which is always nice. Imagine Raina’s shock when her best friend befriends the mean girl. There’s also a “mean girl” in the class who seems to gain a thrill from teasing everyone in her vicinity. Her best friend finds out that her family is moving away soon, which, of course, causes Raina a measure of anxiety. Her parents take her to see a doctor who after multiple tests assures them that Raina is “healthy as a horse.” Unsure what to do next, they take her to see a therapist.Īt school, Raina also deals with friendship issues. Her anxiety manifests physically as a stomachache which further exacerbates her fear of vomiting and intensifies her anxiety. After a case of the stomach flu in their family, Raina becomes terrified of vomit and vomiting. Guts is based on Telegmeier’s experience with anxiety as a tween.

Raina guts