Elaine M. Will

A hard-hitting look at a teen who suffers a mental breakdown (paranoid schizophrenia), exacerbated by bullying from fellow classmates. Jeremy is a 17-year-old artist who keeps to himself and is happiest just drawing. Despite his low-key vibe, he is bullied by several boys in class. They bait him into acting out (a mini temper tantrum where he turns over chairs and a table). This outbreak gets him suspended from school. At home alone with his thoughts his paranoia increases and he suffers a full-blown mental breakdown. One hospitalization helps a bit but when he returns to school, even his few friends give him a wide berth. The alienation rekindles his paranoia and he is institutionalized again. He escapes again and is found on the snow-covered streets in the dead of Canadian winter (-30'). After nearly dying, Jeremy and his parents reach a point of conciliation and his real healing begins. The books also shows therapeutic nature of art.… (mer)