Description

Ellie battles feelings of anxiety about school that she can’t explain in this sensitively told tale from acclaimed author Eve Ainsworth.

When Ellie wakes up one day and can’t face going to school, her parents think there must be a reason. Is she being bullied? Or is the schoolwork too hard?

But neither of these things are the problem, and Ellie finds it impossible to explain how she feels.

As the days of absence turn into weeks and then months, Ellie’s parents support her through this difficult time, but can she find a way to go back?

Particularly suitable for readers aged 11+ with a reading age of 7.

Publisher Review

“An empathetic portrayal of school-based anxiety told through the eyes of Ellie, a young girl who wakes up and is so overcome with anxiety that she cannot attend school and continues to not attend for a large period of time. As a teacher, this short story hit home. It reflects how absence is not always rooted in bullying or academic pressure. A powerful read.” – NetGalley review

“What a wonderful, and really accessible book on so many levels … I see so many pupils in school who should be able to understand and relate to Ellie … This book may provide opportunities for children, parents, teachers and support staff/agencies to start needed conversations. It provides some possible positive ways to move forward.” – NetGalley review