Crazy

Book: Crazy

Author: Amy Reed

Pages: 367

For Isabel, the highs are too high and the lows are too low.  After spending the summer working together at a summer camp, Isabel and Connor return to their homes and spend about 6 1/2 months talking over email.  During this time, Connor notices that something is severely wrong with the Isabel.  He realizes that Isabel has turned into a girl he no longer recognizes and her problems are too much for either of them to handle on their own.

Crazy is a remarkable book about Bipolar Disorder and the damaging effects it can have on people's lives and relationships if it goes untreated.

What is Bipolar Disorder?: 

Bipolar disorder is a serious brain illness. It is also called manic-depressive illness. Children with bipolar disorder go through unusual mood changes. Sometimes they feel very happy or "up," and are much more active than usual. This is called mania. And sometimes children with bipolar disorder feel very sad and "down," and are much less active than usual. This is called depression.

Bipolar disorder is not the same as the normal ups and downs every kid goes through. Bipolar symptoms are more powerful than that. The illness can make it hard for a child to do well in school or get along with friends and family members. The illness can also be dangerous. Some young people with bipolar disorder try to hurt themselves or attempt suicide. With treatment, children and teens can manage their symptoms and lead successful lives.

Sources:

What is Bipolar Disorder? 

Butter

Book: Butter
Author: Erin Jade Lange
Pages: 316

If a story about a kid who plans to kill himself by eating and do it all on the internet doesn't peak your interest, then there's something wrong with you (or maybe it's the other way around...) Regardless, Butter is a story that will suck you in until the very last page. In a way, as a reader I almost feel as though I was no better than Butter's bullies, wanting to know whether or not he was actually going to go through with his sinister plan. Not only is Butter an intriguing story, but it deals with some pretty tough topics. I felt as though Butter's peers didn't react in a very realistic manner. After thinking about it, I realize I may unfortunately be wrong. I have taught in a high school and let's face it, teenagers can be harsh. Add in the invisibility of the internet now-a-days and you've got a recipe for disaster.

Bullying on the internet has increased majorly the last few years and we've seen the consequences it can bring to the victims. People use their internet avatars as something to hide behind (Butter is responsible for doing this as well) and they turn into people they would never be in the real world. However, I hate to think any teenager would egg a kid on who might kill himself, whether or not they thought he was going to go through with it or not. Other than this slight unrealistic aspect of the plot, Lange deals with weight issues, self-image problems, depression, suicide, addiction, personal responsibility, and relationships in a very constructive way. You finish the book feeling as though you learned something and may be a better person because of it.

Questions:
Have you ever been bullied on the internet or bullied someone esle?
Have you found that the anonymity of the internet can be used in a negative way?

The Bell Jar

Book: The Bell Jar
Author: Sylvia Plath
Pages: 288

Set in the 1950's, The Bell Jar is the story of the gifted, extremely intelligent, and young college graduate named Esther Greenwood. Esther spends some time interning as an editor at a magazine company in New York and afterwards experiences a psychological breakdown. She returns to her mother's suburban home but feels as though this world is just as superficial as her previous one. She finds herself unable to write and wonders if she will ever have a fulfilling life. Slowly Esther descends into a deep and suicidal depression that overtakes her entire body. She is placed in a psychiatric hospital where she undergoes electric shock therapy and continues her struggle with mental illness.    

Information about suicide:

• Suicide is the third-leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-olds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), surpassed only by accidents and homicide.
• Studies show that 4 out of 5 teen suicide attempts have been preceded by clear warning signs. These warning signs include: disinterest in favorite activities, problems at work, behavioral problems, substance abuse, declining grades, changes in sleep and eating habits, neglectful of hygiene, and withdrawing from family and friends.
• According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL): 19.3 percent of high school students have seriously considered killing themselves, 14.5 percent of high school students made actual plans for committing suicide, and 900,000 youth planned their suicides during an episode of major depression.

Sources:
About Teen Suicide
Teen Suicide