Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
YouTuber's engaging memoir has solid writing advice, too.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
RYAN HIGA'S HOW TO WRITE GOOD came about after one of the popular YouTuber's videos about his past (called "Draw My Life") generated a lot of responses from viewers and fans who had been through, or were going through, the same things Higa had been through, such as being bullied in middle school. Through graphic novel interactions with his ghostwriter, who takes him through the writing process, Higa supplies more detail about his childhood, including contemplating suicide at the age of 11. Within the framework of learning how to structure a book from the ghostwriter, Higa jumps back and forth between recounting the past and looking at it now and the valuable lessons and insights he learned along the way.
Is It Any Good?
Popular YouTuber Ryan Higa's memoir/graphic novel/how-to-write book is an honest, funny, and sometimes moving look at how Higa overcame his bully and the trauma that lingered for years afterward. Ryan Higa's How to Write Good may inspire tweens and up in similar situations. They'll easily relate to a lot of Higa's experiences, not only of being the target of a bully but also of sometimes feeling like a loser, and they'll be comforted a little, at least knowing they're not alone.
Higa acknowledges right off the bat that he's not the most logical candidate to write a book. But he provides a clever framework for integrating conversations and lessons in writing from his ghostwriter by depicting those parts in graphic novel style, with illustrated comic panels showing him and the ghostwriter in fantasy settings. With humor, grace, and a seemingly genuine desire to help others by telling his story, Higa's book is sure to be enjoyed by his many fans. And there's plenty to enjoy and learn for those who aren't tuned in to YouTube.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the ghostwriter in Ryan Higa's How to Write Good. Do you think Higa should have acknowledged the ghost writer? Why, or why not? How many other celebrity books do you think have ghostwriters?
What do you think of his parents' and the school's response when Higa is finally told about being bullied? What more could they have done? Have you ever seen someone being bullied? Did you feel like there was something you could or should have done?
Have you ever thought about suicide, or do you know someone who has? What did you do? Where can you go for help if you or the person you know can't think of a solution to the problem like Higa did?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Biography
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , School ( High School , Middle School )
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publishers : Little , Little, Brown and Company
- Publication date : May 30, 2017
- Number of pages : 208
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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