Braced

I was diagnosed with scoliosis 6 years ago. I’ve always felt so incredibly alone as not many people understand the condition. I’m about to go through more treatment & I have loved reading this book. It’s joyful and calming and has helped me feel like someone finally understands. Would recommend 100% x

Well-written and a great storyline for tweens / teens, while also being a very informative book about scoliosis and what it's like having to wear a brace. Good at addressing the emotional as well as the factual aspects of wearing a brace.

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 thought this was a valuable book for it's authentic portrayal of scoliosis. The main character is a soccer player but she finds out she's going to have to wear a back brace. The writing isn't sophisticated, which makes it all the more accessible to young readers. I think anyone age 9 and up could approach this easily. There is a small crush, but it's all very innocent. I'd recommend it for kids who have scoliosis or who have friends/classmates who do.

habe es zwar noch nicht ganz gelesen. aber es ist eine super verfassung einer skoliose patientin. es zeigt den weg gut. was sie erlebt hat.