Book Review of Is This Really Happening?: What to do When There’s a Dangerous Person at School
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The Children’s Book Review
Written by Amber N. Wilson, LCSW, LCDC
Ages 7+ | 34 Pages
Publisher: Self-Published | ISBN-13: Unknown
What to Expect: Educational Fiction, Safety and Preparedness, and Coping with Unexpected Events
In an era where school violence has become an unfortunate reality, Is This Really Happening? by Amber N. Wilson, LCSW, LCDC, is a thoughtful and age-appropriate children’s book that tackles the complex subject of school violence. This thoughtfully crafted book not only addresses the pressing need to educate and prepare youth for potentially dangerous situations at school but also provides a practical framework for adults to engage in these difficult but necessary conversations, empowering them with the right tools.
The book begins on a lighthearted note through the first-person narrative of a student, with students eagerly anticipating their school’s “Popcorn and Movie Day.” This relatable and cheerful opening grounds the story in the everyday experiences of school children, making the subsequent events all the more impactful. Wilson skillfully builds tension as the day progresses, culminating in a lockdown situation presented in a way that is honest yet not overly frightening for young readers.
Wilson’s background as a licensed clinical social worker and licensed chemical dependency counselor lends credibility to the psychological aspects of the book. The characters’ reactions, from the teacher’s calm leadership to the students’ range of emotions, ring true and provide readers with models for appropriate behavior during a crisis. The story’s resolution, while swift, reinforces the importance of trusting authority figures and following established safety procedures. The author balances the seriousness of the situation with a reassuring ending, helping to alleviate potential anxiety in young readers.
One of the book’s strengths is its focus on following safety protocols and listening to teachers during emergencies. The author emphasizes how practicing drills can prepare students for real situations, a valuable lesson that could save lives. The narrative also highlights the effectiveness of simple coping strategies, such as deep breathing exercises, to help children manage fear and anxiety during stressful events. The cartoon-style illustrations play a crucial role in making the content more accessible to children.
This book doesn’t delve deeply into the aftermath of such an event—given the target age group, this simplified approach is appropriate. While providing a reassuring resolution, the story acknowledges the potential for lasting trauma, striking a delicate balance in its treatment of a challenging subject. A key strength is the book’s dual focus on immediate safety and emotional well-being, opening the door for discussions about trauma, emotional awareness, and coping mechanisms. This emphasis on facilitating these important discussions is a key aspect of the book’s value for parents, teachers, and counselors.
Is This Really Happening? is a timely and valuable resource for parents, teachers, and counselors looking to discuss school safety with children. Wilson has created a tool that, while hopefully never needed, could prove invaluable in helping children navigate one of the most frightening scenarios imaginable in a school setting.
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About the Author
Amber N. Wilson, LCSW, LCDC, is a therapist with many years of experience in the mental health field working with children and families. She specializes in treating trauma and has worked with adolescents with severe emotional disturbances and behavioral issues. She believes in the power of using humor, hope, and positivity to help others heal as well as therapeutic techniques such as EMDR, deep breathing, and mindfulness. She hopes that children and school staff can feel safe at school and feel a little more at ease through books such as these.
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