Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Funny, sensitive account of dealing with bathroom anxiety.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 17 parent reviews
Parents say the book effectively addresses themes of anxiety, puberty, and personal struggles, with many highlighting its humorous yet heartfelt approach to difficult topics. However, some parents feel it includes inappropriate content for younger children and have noted that it may trigger anxiety in sensitive kids.
- anxiety themes
- humor and heart
- maturity needed
- inappropriate content
- personal struggles
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 32 kid reviews
Kids say the book offers an engaging and relatable depiction of anxiety and personal struggles, particularly for those in middle school and beyond. While some find the themes of puberty and body autonomy potentially inappropriate for younger readers, the overall consensus highlights its valuable messages of overcoming fears and seeking help, making it a meaningful read for many.
- relatable experiences
- anxiety themes
- positive messages
- age-appropriate content
- personal struggles
Summarized with AI
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?
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
- Author :
- Illustrator : Raina Telgemeier
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Friendship , School ( Middle School )
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Graphix
- Publication date : September 17, 2019
- Number of pages : 144
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : December 31, 2025
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