Guts

Bibliography: Telgemeier, Raina. 2019. GUTS. New York: Scholastic Graphix ISBN 9780545852517

Plot Summary: In this story, Raina is a fifth grade girl who is scared of vomit. It began with her not feeling well in the wee morning hours and as we read the story, we see that Raina becomes consumed with getting ill and then having to go and vomit.  Raina has two best friends, Nicole and Jane; they both enjoy hanging out with Raina but notice that she is becoming weird. There is also Michelle, who likes to joke and tease her classmates. As the school year progresses, Raina misses school because she is always feeling sick. Because this is happening often, her parents take her to the doctor and have her tested for various digestive disorders. Finally, Raina goes to see a therapist to get help with what is bothering her. Raina doesn't understand why she needs a therapist but over time she learns that how she feels is normal and she is in control of those feelings. The therapist helps Raina learn how to manage and cope with her anxiety and stress through a series of exercises and activities. Eventually, Raina learns how to respond to Michelle's teasing and she also learns how to enjoy food without becoming overwhelmed with a nauseas feeling. Raina also learns how to speak in front of an audience and not be quick to run out the classroom.

Critical Analysis: Raina Telgemeier is best known for her graphic memiors, Smile and Sisters which are based on her life as a kid.  In Guts, Ms. Telgemeier writes about discovering how what started as stomach bug she contracted in the fourth grade; to what would become anxiety and a mild case of irritable bowel syndrome. The story is well-written and full of details about being a 10 year old, vomiting, feeling uncomfortable around people when they do not feel well or are sick, and handling school woes in general. The illustrations in each panel help the reader to know and understand what is going on throughout the story. They are pictures that are visually appealing and very life-like. (i.e., look of nausea and psychedelic puke green) Ms. Telgemeier tells a story that although is about her personal experience, any reader at this age can relate or maybe knows of someone who suffers with anxiety.  She even shows how the main character goes to therapy and learns to handle hew feelings. Ms. Telgemeier even writes about how the story came to be in an author's note found at the end of the story.

Review Excerpt(s):

Kirkus Reviews-"With young readers diagnosed with anxiety in ever increasing numbers, this book offers a necessary mirror to many."

Publishers Weekly-"With disarming candor and in her now instantly recognizable panel artwork, Eisner Award–winner Telgemeier weaves a tangle of personal preadolescent traumas into another compelling graphic memoir."

Connections:

Children who may suffer with anxiety will find this story comforting and insightful with knowing they are not alone. It is something that counselors should keep copies of in their office for the child who feels stressed and may experience some of the physical characteristics of young Raina.

If students have not read Raina Telgemeier's first two graphic novels, encourage them to do so: Smile and Sisters.