Braced Paperback – July 31, 2018

Braced is a wonderful book that offers insight into what it’s like being diagnosed with scoliosis, but it also holds broad appeal for readers of any age. Universal lessons of kindness, self-acceptance and inclusion are offered in such a positive way that the reader is left feeling hopeful and empowered. Braced will provide additional inspiration for anyone who feels different or is facing challenges in life, medical or otherwise. I read this book as an adult who purchased it for my children, and I was thoroughly engrossed from beginning to end. My kids really enjoyed and appreciated the book, but I think I liked it even more. As a parent of two children with scoliosis, this book truly struck a chord with me. I couldn’t get through the beginning of the book without having to put it down every so often to cry, it was like reliving the moment when my own children were diagnosed. The mother in this book was so relatable – I could see myself in her - and to experience the diagnosis of scoliosis from the daughter’s perspective really changed the way I looked at things. I have never been diagnosed with scoliosis, never been in my children’s shoes, but reading Braced helped me to see things from their perspective. A memorable moment in the book is when Rachel is at her doctor’s appointment and her mother is so intent on listening to the doctor that Rachel thinks, “She’s so focused on making sure my spine is okay that sometimes it seems like she forgets I’m here.” Ouch. After reading Braced I found myself focusing more on my children during appointments and encouraging them to talk to the doctors as well. Thank you, Alyson Gerber, for writing this treasure and sharing your experience.

I read this after it was recommended to me by a professor in my teaching program, and I really fell in love with the book. The main character is a believable teenage girl who is trying to deal with very real problems. The author doesn't add anything just for dramatic effect, but instead uses the natural drama of everyday life to propel the book forward and make us really root for the main character to succeed. I truly enjoyed the book, and that would have been enough. But...A year or so later, I was teaching in my own classroom and had a student who literally could have BEEN the main character in this book. She had the same condition, same concerns, and even played soccer! She was having a rough time, and she came to me for help dealing it. I bought her a copy of the book after a long conversation with her, and she absolutely loved it. She felt so much better knowing that she wasn't alone in what she was going through, and she proudly wore her brace to school after she got it. She even came to show it off to me the first day.I honestly can't say enough good things about this book.

What a wonderful book! I am not a big reader but a friend suggested this book to me because I had a history with scoliosis as a child. Reading the story of Rachel, written in the first person, was so relatable and captivating. The author's descriptions make you feel like you're right there with her, experiencing it all-- the physical pain of wearing the brace 23 hours a day as a 13 year old soccer player, the emotional distress and anxiety, the feelings of isolation and dread but also of hope and resilience. The story is touching and eye-opening on so many levels. Reading it also took me back to my 7th grade self, so I'm sure that tweens and teens (especially those with scoliosis or another challenge/obstacle) won't be able to put it down once they start! Highly recommend!

Good book to read to my granddaughter, however, would of liked to have her be able to read it herself.

I stumbled upon this book a couple of weeks ago when I was searching for a gift for a young adult - the subject seemed so interesting that I bought it for myself to read. I loved it; it was such a powerful story of a young girl going through daily life with scoliosis. As a Pilates instructor I have many clients who have battled with and who battle with scoliosis and it really helped me to understand what they may have dealt with at points in their life.I hope to meet Alyson at a reading or an event in NYC at some point in the near future!This really is a fabulous gift for young adults this holiday season and I hope it is on many reading lists in the future!

I bought this book for my daughter who has scoliosis and needs to wear the Boston brace. I think it was nice for her to see that there are other kids in the world going through that and nice to loan the book to her friends to give them a better idea of what she is going through.

I am a 29 year old woman with a highly stressful job. I travel a lot, work long hours, and basically have no time for a social life. I've found it relaxing and de-stressing to read young adult novels--both those I read as a child, and some new releases pushed to me based on my childhood favorites (such as The Westing Game, Absolutely Normal Chaos, any Judy Blume book, etc.). I read Braced last week and loved it! Having grown up with a friend with a back brace, I could relate to the dialogue, conflicts and strife myself. It was a relaxing, easy read for me, and I enjoyed it very much. Would recommend this to readers young, medium and old.

I loved this book. I bought this book assuming I would enjoy it, but from page one I was invested. Despite not being an 11-year-old girl with scoliosis, I related to the main character, Rachel. The author writes with such clarity and sensitivity that I understood and felt Rachel's pain, resentment, frustration, joy, and ultimately acceptance. This is a must-read for anyone struggling with feeling different.