A pre-teen girl (Alexandra) struggles to deal with her father’s drinking and leaving the family, her parents’ frequent fighting and her own very mixed feelings about it all.

Initially she copes by pretending nothing’s wrong but her anxiety creeps out anyway and she finds herself getting into more and more trouble at school.

Sent to talk to a therapist (Victoria Miller, Ph.D.), Alex is determined not to let anyone know how she really feels, believing no one could understand, especially not a freaky, monster-like psychologist.

Over time and the building of trust, she begins to accept how her world has changed and learn how to move on in her own best way.

The story culminates with her winning a prized scholarship to baseball camp and reinforces the message of hope and the survival of her unique and amazing spirit.

REVIEW

“I would have loved having a book like this when I was still a practicing psychologist working with young people. I love the kid-friendly style, and kids who are dealing with their own problems and issues will easily identify with Alex. This is a great resource for kids and anyone working with kids. Highly Recommended!”

Reviewed by: Sandra McLeod Humphrey Children’s Book Author and Character Education Consultant Minnetonka, Minnesota

EXCERPT

Chapter One, “Why Me?”:

“Dad’s the one who messed up in my family, but I’m the one who has to go see a therapist. On what planet does that make sense? What does that mean anyway? I have to see a shrink? El Doctoro Crazio? Why me? I’m only twelve. If you listened to Mom, you’d think all our problems were my fault.

“I said I’d go but I didn’t mean it. I could always get Tommy to go. He’s seven. I could give him a dead frog, thirty-two superhero comic books, and the clues to my favorite computer game if he’d get into the car when Mom yells it’s time to leave. She’s always on the cell yapping at Auntie Rose, so she’d never notice”