My Kind of Sad

February 1, 2007
Gr 6 Up-Scowen offers an in-depth look at what depression is and how it affects young people. She differentiates between normal mood shifts and signs of serious trouble. Bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and suicidal feelings are also discussed. An extensive chapter on treatment options includes information on medications. Parents will want to use this book as a starting point for more detailed discussion. There is a lot of material here, such as the use of medication and different forms of therapy as treatment options (especially the mention of electroconvulsive therapy) that young people might not understand or could interpret incorrectly without the input of a knowledgeable adult. Cartoon illustrations lighten up an extremely serious topic."Kristen M. Todd, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NY"

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2006
Sympathetic without being preachy or condescending, Scowen, a youth counselor, offers a chatty, informative, up-to-date resource on a disturbing subject--from cutting and suicide to eating disorders. Individual chapters explore gender differences and treatment options (including medications and therapies), as well as types of depression (panic, fear, bipolar disorder). Frank quotes, some of them quite long, reflect the experiences of teens who have been clinically depressed or know someone who has experienced depression and therapy, and there are extensive "check-it-out" references, hotlines, Web sites, and other resources. Throughout Scowen encourages readers to pay attention to depression's warning signs. Teens won't find a quick fix here, just realistic advice--especially about seeking help.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2006, American Library Association.)