JANE SMITH AKA THISTLE FABULOSO

A young girl struggles with depression in Grant’s illustrated middle-grade novel.

Jane Smith, age 9-and-three-quarters, describes herself as “gloomy (unfortunately).” She says that her research shows that 17% of people in the United States are depressed “like me.” She gives herself the first name Thistle, because it’s purple and prickly, and the last name Fabuloso, because it gives her “something to strive for.” One day, she puts on her old, too-small, green-and-yellow-plaid coat, thinks about what’s “wrong” with her life, and falls asleep. In an interlude titled “Thistle’s Dream,” she experiences an earthquake; the narrative switches from first- to third-person, and artist Shelly’s illustrations also change. Previously, the imagery was only black, white, and purple, with the exception of the plaid coat; the dream world is multicolored and has a wild, jagged style. Thistle’s coat now fits perfectly, and she sees “the bright side of things.” She reads her parents a list of rules to follow and does the same with her classmates; her rule for herself involves forgiveness. Thistle also visits her sightless adult neighbor, Bill, who says that his favorite word is resilience: “when things get gloomy…you can bounce back.” When Thistle wakes up, she uses the name Jane again, hugs her mom, and tries to socialize more. Later, when she tries to “bounce back,” she finds she can do so 20% to 40% of the time. Overall, Grant’s book presents readers a fun and effective balance of text and illustration. The author uses humor effectively, as in an awkward meeting with a distraught guidance counselor (“Wow. I was kind of looking forward to being in my 20’s. Now I’m not so sure”). Sometimes, though, the book goes on unnecessary tangents, as when it provides the lifecycle of a mayfly. Still, Grant paints a full, detailed portrait of Jane, showing that her depression is just one element of her life: The youngster is also curious, independent, and fond of words. However, real-life resources regarding childhood depression would have been a helpful addition.

A book about a troubled child that offers understanding and positivity.