Book Review: Growing Pangs by Kathryn Ormsbee and Molly Brooks

Article by Grace Nilsson

Welcome back to A Homeschooler’s Perspective! This month I will be reviewing Growing Pangs by author Kathryn Ormsbee and illustrator Molly Brooks. It is one of the best books I have found featuring a homeschooled character. I already discussed Ormsbee’s YA novel Lucky Few in a previous article. Growing Pangs is geared toward a preteen/early teen audience but could also appeal to older readers looking to feel nostalgic about their younger years. It is a heartfelt, realistic story with authentic representation of both mental health issues and homeschooling families – which is not surprising considering that the story is a fictionalized version of the author’s childhood.

In terms of homeschool representation, this book is something special. It is free from common middle-grade cliches about homeschooled characters. The main character, Katie, is a (mostly) normal kid who attends activities, has homeschooled best friends, and is happy with her lifestyle. She lives in a normal American city instead of, say, a remote island. She has new experiences and grows as a person without ever stepping foot in a public school. Her parents homeschool Katie and her older sister because they genuinely want what’s best for their children, not because they are abusive or dysfunctional. The family attends church but are far from being weird religious fundamentalists. In other words, the characters resemble countless real homeschoolers who rarely get a book that reflects their lives so accurately.

The representation of OCD and anxiety is also commendable. The author does a perfect job at showing the mind of an anxious middle-schooler. The book provides accurate information about Katie’s mental health conditions and shows what proper support looks like. Mental health problems are not uncommon and can even affect kids from relatively privileged backgrounds (like Katie). Hopefully this book will give encouragement to those why may be struggling with similar issues.

A sequel, Turning Twelve, just came out, and I might write a review when I have the chance to read it. For now, I hope you enjoyed this review and will try reading the book! Also don’t be afraid to share your thoughts in the comments.