Author Rachel Hruza has firsthand experience of wearing a back brace as a teen, bringing the knowledge and understanding necessary to tell Truth's story in a believable and sympathetic way.
#WeHaveDiverseBooks: this story addresses living with a physical disability and the mental and social pressures and difficulties associated with it in an accessible and relateable way.
Children and teens are familiar with scoliosis and many may know someone affected by it: Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine that affects two to three percent of the population, or an estimated 7 million people in the United States. Most are diagnosed with scoliosis between the ages of 10 and 15. (Source: National Scoliosis Foundation, www.scoliosis.org).
Story also hits on themes common to all tweens: friendship issues; first crushes and relationships; school pressures; not judging others by their appearance; and figuring out morals, values, and how to be true to yourself.
Though it addresses a serious topic, the upbeat tone and humorous voice make this a fun read.
