A review by jwinchell
The Dark Matter of Mona Starr by Laura Lee Gulledge

4.0

I think this is the first book I’ve read for younger (YA/tween) readers that I’ve shelved “self-improvement.” Its so much about mental health and taking care of yourself. It’s about the swirl and whirl of emotions that can come over you when you’re struggling with anxiety and depression and self-image. I love the way Gulledge draws Mona’s pain and doubts and inner strife- it comes out of her body and into the world. Her thoughts explode around her in her journal that is helping her process her “Matter” (her depression). I loved the self-care plan she made for herself at the end of the book and the blank one she made for readers. There’s also a book list and a music play list. A definite must for kids who are artsy and also for those who have feelings. A good choice for self-reflection for any reader, really.