Suzanne Beaky – illustratör

The whispers began, like they so often do in school, during the lunch period. Mateo and his longtime friend Lily were laughing and joking with each other. When Harris saw them together, he didn't see two friends innocently goofing around. He saw a lovey-dovey couple who MUST BE boyfriend and girlfriend. Or at least that's what he wants everyone else to think.Harris wastes little time telling his buddies about Mateo and his "girlfriend." Soon that rumour is all over school. Mateo gets hassled by his friends. Lily feels disrespected. Both are annoyed and uncomfortable, and eventually stop speaking to each other. Are they going to let the gossip and teasing destroy their friendship? Or can Mateo convince Harris to finally admit to everyone the actual truth?WHY IS HE SPREADING RUMORS ABOUT ME? is a gripping, fast-paced story that explores the insecurities, fears, obsessions, and anxieties of school kids. As Mateo struggles to salvage his friendship with Lily and put an end to all the gossip, young readers gain an understanding of how hurtful and far reaching a rumour's ripple effects can be.

Relatable situations and helpful strategies for coping with rumours and gossip are described in depth. The guide pairs text from the story with probing questions and group activities to further engage students with the content and encourage spirited discussions about why and how rumours spread, the shame and alienation victims of false rumours can experience, and the true meaning of friendship.After reading the story and completing the activities, students of all ages will be empowered to stop or ignore hurtful rumours about others, speak up for themselves when they are the target of hurtful gossip, and develop friendships that are based on trust and mutual respect.

This teacher and counsellor activity guide is designed to accompany the My Anxiety is Messing Things Up quick read chapter book. The guide includes text from the story, along with discussion questions and activities for each chapter.This guide helps engage students in meaningful conversation and relevant activities to help them deal with their anxiety.

But why all the drama? Is it because Izzy is too judgy? Too sassy? Too cocky for her own good? Or is she simply misunderstood, a blameless victim whose friends are really at fault? This is the puzzle Izzy has to solve if she ever hopes to save her relationships and her sanity. As the bonds in her friendships continue to fray, Izzy seeks support and guidance from her loyal sister, Maya. With empathy and understanding, Maya offers encouragement as she helps her sister confront some hard truths: Izzy is an interrupter, a one-upper, and a bragger. Caught unaware of how she speaks toward her friends, Izzy is determined to make amends and do better. Now, she just needs to figure out how. WHY IS DRAMA ALWAYS FOLLOWING ME? is a fast-paced chapter book that examines the social minefield of school friendships, particularly among girls. As Izzy works to repair her relationships, young readers will be inspired to think about and improve how they speak to and communicate with their friends and family.

Oscar is a perfectionist with an anxiety problem.He puts pressure on himself to excel in everything he does. That's why he earns good grades, wins awards, plays sports, performs in the band and makes friends easily. But all his accomplishments come at a price.Oscar is wracked with anxiety.He's so afraid of falling short of expectations or disappointing his parents, his teachers and his pals, he can't sleep. He tosses and turns every night. The more sleep he loses, the moodier and more irritable he becomes. Exhausted and stressed, Oscar lashes out at his best buddies. Now his anxiety is topped with feelings of guilt and shame.When a caring teacher notices Oscar's distress, she invites him to join a school support group for students who struggle with anxiety. What will he do? Is Oscar too embarrassed to seek help, or is he so tired of being tired, he'll try anything for some sleep and relief?MY ANXIETY IS MESSING THINGS UP is a fast-paced chapter book that examines the emotional and physical toll anxiety has on kids, as well as the empowering strategies they can use to calm their worries. Engaging discussion questions and creative activities at the end of each chapter help readers understand the content more deeply and can guide classroom conversations about anxiety, stress and trying your best.