The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen by Susin Nielsen

5 magical coffee cups!

Maybe it’s because I work in a middle school but books about bullying seem to hit me a little harder. I see my students dealing with bulling everyday and I struggle at what to say to help them at times. I know they are in pain but these books help me realize just how much pain some of them might be going through. This book made me cry, as in actual tears. The narrator was hurt but also very funny.

Henry and his family are dealing with a horrible crime involving Henry’s brother.  The story is told from Henry’s view via his journal.  His journal is something his therapist suggested he use to help him deal with his feelings. 

I loved this book so much.  I love how Henry was funny and entertaining while talking through some really dark and terrible issues.  Throughout the book we follow Henry as he starts a new school and meets new friends both in the school and in his apartment building, all who have a part to play in his road to understanding or at least coping with what his family has gone through. 

Henry slowly starts to open up about what happened to his family and all the little things that just made this awful crime so much worse.  I don’t want to say what any of these little things were because I think they will hit you in the feels all that more when you hear it from Henry. 

I highly suggest this book.  But make sure you have some tissues nearby for the end.