Member-only story

If I Grow Up: A Harrowing Tale of Teenage Angst and Survival by Todd Strasser

Jerry Hayes

·18.2k Followers· Follow

Published in If I Grow Up Todd Strasser

5 min read

626 View Claps

43 Respond

Save

Listen

If I Grow Up

by Todd Strasser

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	305 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	241 pages

Todd Strasser's If I Grow Up is a gripping and unflinching look at the challenges of adolescence. The novel follows the story of Chris Davis, a teenager struggling to cope with the pressures of school, family, and his own inner demons. If I Grow Up is a powerful and moving story that will stay with readers long after they finish reading it.

Plot Summary

Chris Davis is a bright and sensitive teenager, but he is also struggling with depression and anxiety. He feels like he doesn't fit in at school, and he is constantly bullied by his classmates. At home, things are no better. Chris's parents are divorced, and he feels like he is a burden to both of them. He is constantly worried about disappointing them, and he feels like he is never good enough.

As Chris's depression worsens, he begins to withdraw from his friends and family. He stops going to school, and he spends most of his time alone in his room. He starts to have thoughts of suicide, and he begins to make plans to end his life.

One day, Chris meets a girl named Sarah. Sarah is also struggling with depression, and she understands what Chris is going through. She becomes a friend to Chris, and she helps him to see that there is hope. Chris begins to open up to Sarah about his feelings, and he starts to feel like he is not alone.

With Sarah's help, Chris starts to turn his life around. He goes back to school, and he starts to make new friends. He also starts to see a therapist, and he learns how to cope with his depression. Chris's journey is not easy, but he eventually learns how to overcome his challenges and live a happy and fulfilling life.

Characters

Chris Davis is the protagonist of the novel. He is a bright and sensitive teenager, but he is also struggling with depression and anxiety. Chris feels like he doesn't fit in at school, and he is constantly bullied by his classmates. At home, things are no better. Chris's parents are divorced, and he feels like he is a burden to both of them. He is constantly worried about disappointing them, and he feels like he is never good enough.

Sarah is a girl who Chris meets in a support group for teenagers with depression. Sarah is also struggling with depression, and she understands what Chris is going through. She becomes a friend to Chris, and she helps him to see that there is hope. Chris begins to open up to Sarah about his feelings, and he starts to feel like he is not alone.

Themes

The challenges of adolescence. If I Grow Up is a realistic and unflinching look at the challenges of adolescence. The novel explores the pressures that teenagers face from school, family, and their peers. It also explores the mental health issues that many teenagers struggle with, such as depression and anxiety.

The importance of hope. Despite the challenges that Chris faces, the novel is ultimately a story of hope. Chris learns how to overcome his challenges and live a happy and fulfilling life. The novel shows that there is always hope, even in the darkest of times.

Writing Style

Todd Strasser's writing style is clear, concise, and engaging. He does not shy away from difficult topics, but he writes in a way that is accessible to young adult readers. Strasser's characters are well-developed and believable, and his story is both heartbreaking and hopeful.

If I Grow Up is a powerful and moving story that will stay with readers long after they finish reading it. The novel is a must-read for anyone who has ever struggled with the challenges of adolescence.

If I Grow Up

by Todd Strasser

4.7 out of 5