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You are here: Home / Archives for depression

The Natural Genius of Ants by Betty Culley

May 18, 2022 By achuka Leave a Comment

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“Humor, often stemming from Roger’s lively antics, is balanced with serious, thoughtful moments in this hopeful story that explores the reality of hardship and mistakes amid themes of forgiveness and resilience.” Publishers Weekly
“Quietly and emotionally intelligent.” KIRKUS

A summer ant farm grows into a learning experience for the entire family in this lyrical coming-of-age story.

Harvard is used to his father coming home from the hospital and telling him about all the babies he helped. But since he made a mistake at work, Dad has been quieter than usual. And now he is taking Harvard and his little brother, Roger, to Kettle Hole, Maine, for the summer. Harvard hopes this trip isn’t another mistake.
In the small town where he grew up, Dad seems more himself. Especially once the family decides to start an ant farm—just like Dad had when he was young. But when the mail-order ants are D.O.A. (dead on arrival), Harvard doesn’t want Dad to experience any more sadness. Luckily, his new friend Neveah has the brilliant idea to use the ants crawling around the kitchen instead. But these insects don’t come with directions. So the kids have a lot to learn—about the ants, each other, and how to forgive ourselves when things go wrong.

Betty Culley is an American author who  lives in central Maine, where rivers run through small towns such as the one featured in this novel.

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Filed Under: BookOfTheDay, Fiction Tagged With: depression, MG, middle-grade

The Elephant by Peter Carnavas

February 8, 2021 By achuka Leave a Comment

ACHUKA Book of the Day 9 Feb 2021

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‘A beautiful book – not just heartwarming but heart healing’ Chris Riddell

A big grey elephant is following Olive’s father around. It leaves with him for work and trails behind him when he comes home, keeping him heavy and sad. Every day, Olive wishes it would disappear. When she is asked to bring something old and wonderful to show her class, Olive immediately wants to bring her old bike – but she will need her father’s help to fix it. Teaming up with her cheery grandad and best friend Arthur, she sets out to chase the elephant away.

A highly touching and uplifting treatment of depression and grief.

https://www.achuka.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/elephant-trailer-1_hd.mp4

Peter Carnavas is an Australian writer and illustrator. The Elephant, his first novel, was f.p. in Australia in 2017.

Filed Under: Blog, BookOfTheDay, Books, Fiction Tagged With: caregiving, depression, grandfather, grandparent, grief, metaphor

Magpie by Eve Ainsworth

February 4, 2021 By achuka Leave a Comment

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It has been a long time since Alice has felt safe. Because of him. Ross. But now she, Mum and her little brother Henry have finally moved far away, where Ross will never find them. It’s a fresh start, Mum says. This time, she is never going back. Slowly Alice starts to build a life for herself, at a new school with new friends. But she can’t escape the feeling she is being watched. That he might be lurking, waiting to ruin everything again. That Mum might be about to break her promise. That, just when Alice is starting to feel safe, everything will be taken away from her. A story about healing, home and new beginnings.

Filed Under: Fiction Tagged With: depression, drama, healing, home, mental health, safety

Insomnia and me: Robert Muchamore

April 19, 2014 By achuka Leave a Comment

Robert Muchamore writes about depression, sleep deprivation and a midlife crisis…

guardiansmallIt’s the time of year when it doesn’t stay dark for long. I’m squatting on a corner of my bed cross-legged, like I haven’t done since infant school. The brown Muji notebook is scribbled full of notes for what I know will be the greatest novel ever written.

My silk bedspread is so beautiful. I’m wearing just shorts, and the beads of sweat on my legs are diamonds catching sunlight. It’s bliss. The rush of creative energy beats anything else I’ve experienced.

I have been awake for more than 50 hours. I know it’s bad, but this fact feels small. I’m seeing the problem through a telescope turned round the wrong way. With nobody around to touch, I’ve hugged the shirts hanging in my wardrobe and reconnected with soft toys, evoking sensational memories of caravan holidays, Stickle Bricks and tiny infant school chairs.

via Insomnia and me: Robert Muchamore | Life and style | The Guardian.

Filed Under: Blog, Books Tagged With: crisis, depression, deprivation, sleep

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