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Parents' Guide to

Guts

By Michael Berry, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Funny, sensitive account of dealing with bathroom anxiety.

Book Raina Telgemeier Graphic Novel 2019
Guts Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 9+

Based on 11 parent reviews

ericaelyzabeth
ericaelyzabeth Parent of 5-year-old
July 28, 2022
age 5+

Give your kid some credit !!

I picked this age rating but I have to be honest I didn’t read the whole thing. I actually picked it up off the shelf at Walmart after *ironically* taking my daughter on an emergency bathroom break. Lol, I’m an artist so the simple colorful book cover caught my eye. I actually love what I read initially. I had almost the exact issues Raina did growing up and I literally lived in fear of vomiting and as a result had anxiety-induced chronic stomach issues like cramps and constant nausea. Any time I would vomit I would end up not wanting to eat for weeks to months and would lose a lot of weight and become ill. It wasn’t until adulthood that I learned what happened to me as a kid. SO I think it’s really important to discuss all sorts of feelings and issues with your kids even if you have no clue what’s wrong with them, just to talk about this stuff brings so much comfort. Also, my daughter is 5 and we have already discussed periods and just about everything besides sex. She is extremely mature and I’ve heard of cases of 7 y/o’s getting their period. I would hate for her to feel afraid or disgusted so, appropriately, we have talked about what happens on your period, and she understood and hasn’t acted funny or blurted it out in front of people or anything silly portrayals they show on tv. Lol she simply furrowed her brow, rubbed her chin, asked some inquisitive questions and then smiled and kept it moving. 🤷🏾‍♀️🤷🏾‍♀️ Lol I’m a single mom and I’ve been talking to my daughter since she was basically born in a way where I knew she could understand and to this day people are astonished with how matter-of-fact and wise she is. Give your kids some credit!! Talk to them about farts and pooping and periods and body odor and what’s appropriate at what time and what’s not! And I’m a Christian btw so I’m not some new-age, watch porn with your kid, psycho parent. I just believe kids can handle more than we give them some times. Will definitely be adding this one to my library ! 🥰
angela107
angela107 Adult
January 27, 2022
age 11+

Also has a negative effect on anxious children

This book brought out the underlying anxiety in my daughter. Was unaware she checked out from the school library and she knew too early now of topics like periods, ibs and nausea due to anxiety. Do not recommend. Ended up seeing the guidance counselor and days missed from school due to fear after this and the prior book in the series Smile were read.
See all 11 parent reviews

What's the Story?

As GUTS begins, Raina catches the stomach flu and vomits. She doesn't think much of the incident until she starts feeling sick at school for no particular reason. Soon, she can't stop thinking about needing to use the bathroom and fearing that she'll be sick. It gets to the point where she is having trouble concentrating on her schoolwork. She starts to see a therapist and learns techniques for calming herself down, which also help her at school and among her friends.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (11 ):
Kids say (31 ):

Everyone uses the bathroom, and this funny, moving graphic novel demonstrates what happens when a person gives too much thought to the process. With a sharp eye for design and a discerning ear for dialogue, Raina Telgemeier chronicles in Guts her struggles with anxiety and digestion issues during elementary and middle school. As an illustrator, she captures the big gestures that kids make during those years, giving the characters an expressiveness that ably transmits their internal feelings. As a writer, she finds believable plot twists and touching character moments. Young readers will relate to Raina's troubles, which are treated with sensitivity and humor.

Guts is another winner from a deservedly popular literary creator -- insightful, poignant, and funny.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Guts describes treatments for anxiety and stomach issues. What are some ways to reduce stress and get a handle on anxiety? What are some activities that cause stress?

  • Is talking to a therapist about your problems "normal"? What can a professional therapist offer that a friend or family member might not?

  • Why are bathroom activities so embarrassing to most people? How does the media and commerce play upon people's fears and insecurities regarding natural processes?

Book Details

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