Stop Pretending: What Happened When My Big Sister Went Crazy

Stop Pretending: What Happened When My Big Sister Went Crazy tells the story of Cookie, a thirteen-year-old girl whose life changes when her older sister has a mental breakdown on Christmas Eve. The story is written in free verse poetry, allowing readers direct access to Cookie's inner thoughts and emotions. Based on author Sonya Sones' own childhood experiences, the novel chronicles Cookie's journey as she tries to understand her sister's hospitalization and diagnosis of manic depression. The narrative follows Cookie through her daily life at school, at home, and during visits to the hospital. The verse novel presents themes of family bonds, mental health stigma, and coming-of-age in the face of unexpected challenges. Through Cookie's perspective, readers encounter questions about identity, normalcy, and the endurance of sisterly love.

Readers connect emotionally with this verse novel about mental illness's impact on families. Many call it raw, honest, and accessible for reluctant readers, noting they finished it in one sitting. Liked: - Simple but powerful poetry format - Authentic portrayal of a younger sibling's confusion and fear - Helps readers feel less alone in similar situations - Appropriate for middle grade readers while tackling serious topics Disliked: - Some found it too brief at 148 pages - A few readers wanted more depth/resolution - Poetry format didn't work for all readers Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (80+ reviews) Reader comment: "This book perfectly captures the mix of love and resentment you feel when a family member struggles with mental illness." - Goodreads reviewer The story resonates particularly with readers who have experienced family mental health challenges.

Breathing Underwater by Alex Flinn This verse novel chronicles a teen's journey through therapy and self-reflection after his violent outbursts lead to consequences.

Cut by Patricia McCormick The story follows a girl in a residential treatment facility who uses self-harm to cope with family trauma.

Inside Out by Terry Trueman A teenage boy confronts his mother's schizophrenia while trying to maintain his own identity and relationships.

The Memory of Light by Francisco X. Stave A teen recovers in a hospital's mental ward after a suicide attempt and forms connections with other young patients.

A Blue So Dark by Holly Schindler A daughter struggles to care for her mother who has schizophrenia while keeping her family's situation hidden from others.

🌟 The author spent years writing poetry before publishing this, her debut novel, at age 50. 📚 The book's unique free-verse format was partly inspired by Virginia Euwer Wolff's groundbreaking verse novel "Make Lemonade." 🏥 The story's Christmas Eve hospitalization scene mirrors Sones' real-life experience when her own sister was hospitalized for bipolar disorder. 🎭 "Stop Pretending" has been adapted into successful stage productions at several high schools and youth theaters across the country. 📖 The book received the Christopher Award for "affirming the highest values of the human spirit" and has been translated into multiple languages.