Everything's Not Fine

Love of Art: YA readers will watch Rose’s love for art blossoms as she struggles with the consequences of her mother’s addiction and learns how to let others into her pain. Frida Kahlo’s art, specifically, is highlighted as Rose’s favorite artist and personal inspiration which will be reflected in the cover art.

Timely, Widespread Issue: According to the CDC, there are at least 2-4 million opioid addicts and over 12 million who are opioid dependent with more than 130 people dying every day in American from opioid related overdoses. Everything’s Not Fine demonstrates how the opioid epidemic affects the families and loved ones of those caught in its grasp.

School Librarian Central: Librarians be drawn to this powerful, beautifully-written story that deals with the complicated relationships between trauma, art, addiction, personal dreams, and family responsibility.

Real-life Experience: Sarah Carlson has her Masters in Education and works as a psychologist in a school with a mostly low income population. She specializes in the behavioral and mental health needs of children who have been exposed to trauma and is therefore well-versed in the ways that addiction affects family life.