
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the internal noise of anxiety, especially if they feel like they are living two different lives at home and at school. It is an essential choice for middle grade readers who feel like they are never quite enough or who are navigating the unique pressures of being a first generation immigrant. The story follows Livy, a young girl whose anxiety is personified as a shadow version of herself named Viola who whispers cruel things in her ear. As Livy navigates a new school, cultural expectations from her Chinese Canadian family, and the desire to fit in, she must learn how to quiet Viola and find her own voice. It is a deeply empathetic and visually striking tool for normalizing mental health struggles and validating the complex emotions of preteens.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe personification of anxiety (Viola) has a haunting, ghostly appearance that may unsettle some.
The book deals directly with clinical anxiety and panic attacks. The approach is metaphorical through the personification of Viola but becomes literal as Livy seeks professional help. The resolution is realistic: Livy doesn't 'cure' her anxiety, but she learns to manage it and advocate for her needs.
A 10 to 12 year old child who is a 'perfectionist' or 'people pleaser' and seems exhausted by their own internal standards. It is especially resonant for children of immigrant families navigating bicultural identities.
Parents should be prepared to discuss the visual depiction of Viola, who can look quite frightening. It is helpful to read the afterword together, where the author discusses her own experiences with mental health. A parent might notice their child becoming increasingly withdrawn, obsessive about grades, or expressing deep shame over minor social mistakes.
Younger readers will focus on the 'mean ghost' and the school drama, while older readers will deeply identify with the specific nuances of social anxiety and the pressure to succeed.
Unlike many books where anxiety is an abstract feeling, Fung makes it a tangible character, making it much easier for children to identify their own negative self talk.
Livy is a Chinese Canadian girl starting at a new school where she feels like an outsider. Her anxiety manifests as 'Viola,' a dark, ghostly version of herself that criticizes her every move, from the food she brings for lunch to her performance in art class. While Livy tries to manage the pressure of her parents' high expectations and the social hierarchy of middle school, Viola grows louder. The story culminates in Livy finding support through art, therapy, and honest communication with her family.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.