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Finding Calm
Katrina Calm may have a last name that sounds peaceful and relaxed, but her life is far from that. Join Katrina on a gripping journey through middle school as she struggles with anxiety. With her best friends, new and old, she forms an unbreakable bond that helps her navigate the challenges of seventh grade. However, will Katrina find the strength to overcome the multitude of issues life throws her way, including panic attacks and dealing with a relentless bully? While Katrina may be part of a mindfulness club, will the strategies she learns be enough? Step into the pages of this book and uncover the beginning of Katrina's quest to discover her own sense of Calm.
142 pages, Paperback
Published December 7, 2023
1 person is currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
J. Allen
1 book10 followersI'm a self-published author and elementary school counselor who’s passionate about stories that help young people grow.
I am writing a heartfelt coming-of-age fiction series that explores real emotions like anxiety, friendship struggles, and self-discovery. Through my work as a school counselor, I’ve seen how powerful storytelling can be in helping kids and teens feel seen, heard, and understood.
When I’m not writing or supporting students, I’m usually out on a run, soaking up nature, or dreaming up new story ideas.
I am writing a heartfelt coming-of-age fiction series that explores real emotions like anxiety, friendship struggles, and self-discovery. Through my work as a school counselor, I’ve seen how powerful storytelling can be in helping kids and teens feel seen, heard, and understood.
When I’m not writing or supporting students, I’m usually out on a run, soaking up nature, or dreaming up new story ideas.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 16, 2024
At first, this book gave me of “Sophie’s World” by Jostein Gaarder vibes but with a focus on mental health philosophies. Love love loved it!
Katrina Lavender Calm (obsessed with this character name) is anything BUT calm as she struggles through the chaos of her middle school years with severe anxiety. It all started when her mother disappeared a few years ago.
What’s beautiful about this story is Katrina uses the tools she’s learned in therapy to help her heal and return to the present moment. Sometimes, though, it takes her dad or a friend to pull her out of a panic attack, which makes for beautiful scenes about family and friendship.
After some foolish mistakes, Katrina must rise above her anxiety and forgive herself for the past. Katrina is wise beyond her years, thanks to therapy, putting in the hard work and trusting the process.
It ends on a cliff hanger, and I’m SO ready for book 2 to come out.
Highly recommend this for all parents and their children, teachers and their students, and therapists and their teen patients who long to feel seen in their mental health battles!
Katrina Lavender Calm (obsessed with this character name) is anything BUT calm as she struggles through the chaos of her middle school years with severe anxiety. It all started when her mother disappeared a few years ago.
What’s beautiful about this story is Katrina uses the tools she’s learned in therapy to help her heal and return to the present moment. Sometimes, though, it takes her dad or a friend to pull her out of a panic attack, which makes for beautiful scenes about family and friendship.
After some foolish mistakes, Katrina must rise above her anxiety and forgive herself for the past. Katrina is wise beyond her years, thanks to therapy, putting in the hard work and trusting the process.
It ends on a cliff hanger, and I’m SO ready for book 2 to come out.
Highly recommend this for all parents and their children, teachers and their students, and therapists and their teen patients who long to feel seen in their mental health battles!
April 17, 2025
Finding Calm by J. Allen is a touching and relatable middle-grade novel that explores anxiety, friendship, and self-discovery through the eyes of seventh grader Katrina Calm. Katrina’s world is anything but peaceful. She faces daily battles with panic attacks, social pressure, and a relentless bully, all while trying to survive middle school.
A must-read for fans of Wonder and Rules, Finding Calm is an inspiring story about learning to face life’s storms with courage—and finding your own version of calm along the way.
A must-read for fans of Wonder and Rules, Finding Calm is an inspiring story about learning to face life’s storms with courage—and finding your own version of calm along the way.
April 18, 2025
🌟✨ I am so grateful to have discovered **Finding Calm** by J. Allen! This book truly touched my heart in ways I never expected. As someone who typically dives into smut, dark romance, and contemporary stories, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and sincerity of this young adult novel.
💖 The story revolves around a girl battling severe anxiety and the harsh realities of bullying—a narrative that resonates with so many of us, both young and old. It’s a powerful reminder that mental health is an ongoing journey, and it’s absolutely okay to not have everything figured out.
🙌 One of the standout elements for me was the incredible bond between the protagonist and her dad. Their relationship is a beautiful portrayal of love and support, showcasing the importance of having someone who listens and truly cares. It’s a reminder that we all need our own safe spaces to express our feelings, especially during tough times.
📚 The twists in this story are absolutely mind-blowing! Just when I thought I had it all figured out, J. Allen threw in a surprise that left me speechless. I cannot wait for the sequel!
📖 I wholeheartedly recommend **Finding Calm** to teens and anyone who might be struggling with their mental health. This book is a beacon of hope and reassurance that you are not alone in your journey. Remember, it’s okay to seek help and to embrace your feelings.
🌈 it's okay to not be okay! 💪✨
💖 The story revolves around a girl battling severe anxiety and the harsh realities of bullying—a narrative that resonates with so many of us, both young and old. It’s a powerful reminder that mental health is an ongoing journey, and it’s absolutely okay to not have everything figured out.
🙌 One of the standout elements for me was the incredible bond between the protagonist and her dad. Their relationship is a beautiful portrayal of love and support, showcasing the importance of having someone who listens and truly cares. It’s a reminder that we all need our own safe spaces to express our feelings, especially during tough times.
📚 The twists in this story are absolutely mind-blowing! Just when I thought I had it all figured out, J. Allen threw in a surprise that left me speechless. I cannot wait for the sequel!
📖 I wholeheartedly recommend **Finding Calm** to teens and anyone who might be struggling with their mental health. This book is a beacon of hope and reassurance that you are not alone in your journey. Remember, it’s okay to seek help and to embrace your feelings.
🌈 it's okay to not be okay! 💪✨
April 21, 2025
I’ll start off by saying this isn’t my typical type of book to read. I’m more of an adult romance, thriller reader.
But this YA book was such a good read.
Highly recommend for middle schoolers & early high school kids!
It’s an emotionally gripping story of a seventh grader named Katrina Calm, who is the opposite of being calm. She suffers from anxiety and panic attacks. She also suffers from being bullied by a “popular” girl in her school.
The bond between Katrina and her father was so strong, it made me smile a few times while listening to the story. He’s her biggest supporter & protector.
This book takes you on a journey through life as an unpopular middle schooler & shows how you can always find a way through mental health, while having a good support system of family & friends.
Also, THE CLIFFHANGER!!! I’m not going to say anything because it will spoil part of the story, but oh my gosh!! HOW?! 😮
But this YA book was such a good read.
Highly recommend for middle schoolers & early high school kids!
It’s an emotionally gripping story of a seventh grader named Katrina Calm, who is the opposite of being calm. She suffers from anxiety and panic attacks. She also suffers from being bullied by a “popular” girl in her school.
The bond between Katrina and her father was so strong, it made me smile a few times while listening to the story. He’s her biggest supporter & protector.
This book takes you on a journey through life as an unpopular middle schooler & shows how you can always find a way through mental health, while having a good support system of family & friends.
Also, THE CLIFFHANGER!!! I’m not going to say anything because it will spoil part of the story, but oh my gosh!! HOW?! 😮
July 10, 2025
**Middle Grade Books ALWAYS Receive The Rating I Would Have Given At The Correct Target Age**
Happy Disability Pride Month!!
Kristina Calm is anything but calm as she struggles with her mental health and crippling anxiety. I feel like this book is a MUST READ for any kids struggling with mental health or neurodivergence.
As a hard of hearing author who uses sign language, I also really appreciated the use of sign language between SODAs and calling it a superpower.
This book features everything that a child might be experiencing in a real and relatable manner. Crushes, feelings, bullying, depression, thoughts of self harm, etc.
Really important messages in this book. I think with more open and relatable books about mental health struggles, we can reduce the amount of children who view suicide at the only way out.
Happy Disability Pride Month!!
Kristina Calm is anything but calm as she struggles with her mental health and crippling anxiety. I feel like this book is a MUST READ for any kids struggling with mental health or neurodivergence.
As a hard of hearing author who uses sign language, I also really appreciated the use of sign language between SODAs and calling it a superpower.
This book features everything that a child might be experiencing in a real and relatable manner. Crushes, feelings, bullying, depression, thoughts of self harm, etc.
Really important messages in this book. I think with more open and relatable books about mental health struggles, we can reduce the amount of children who view suicide at the only way out.
December 28, 2024
Finding Calm is a story for middle schoolers about living and coping with anxiety. The protagonist, Katrina Calm, struggles with panic attacks and works through various strategies to combat her negative self-talk.
As a teacher, I would recommend this story to students in grades 5-7, as it is an accessible way for them to read about anxiety and hopefully learn strategies for themselves if they are struggling. J. Allen created a likeable and authentic protagonist who kids can see themselves in. The story is short and easy to read, so it's not overwhelming for hesitant readers. It ends on a cliffhanger as well, which will keep kids hooked and wanting to keep reading the series to see how it ends.
I will definitely recommend this to my school librarian!
As a teacher, I would recommend this story to students in grades 5-7, as it is an accessible way for them to read about anxiety and hopefully learn strategies for themselves if they are struggling. J. Allen created a likeable and authentic protagonist who kids can see themselves in. The story is short and easy to read, so it's not overwhelming for hesitant readers. It ends on a cliffhanger as well, which will keep kids hooked and wanting to keep reading the series to see how it ends.
I will definitely recommend this to my school librarian!
April 23, 2025
Finding Calm is a sweet book with a focus on mental health and middle school struggles. Katrina Calm—an ironically named, wonderfully real character—navigates anxiety and panic attacks using therapy strategies, leaning on family and friends when things get tough. The story is touching, relatable, and empowering, making it a perfect, accessible read for students in grades 5–7. Short, engaging, and ending on a cliffhanger, it’s a great pick for classrooms, libraries, and therapy shelves alike. I can’t wait for book two!
May 12, 2025
A relatable story for middle schoolers dealing with anxiety, over self-consciousness, and bullying. It highlights the importance of supportive circle of friendship and family to overcome the challenges. The cliffhanger ending is intriguing, leaving you craving for the sequel.
February 17, 2025
Finding Calm by J. Allen • ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Read: 6/16 2024
✨ Review ✨
This was a good contemporary read for middle schoolers. It follows topics of mental heath awareness including anxiety, panic attacks, and anger issues. I also did not expect there to be a mystery at the end. It was very surprising and makes me wonder how that was possible. It will definitely make for an interesting plot in book 2.
Read: 6/16 2024
✨ Review ✨
This was a good contemporary read for middle schoolers. It follows topics of mental heath awareness including anxiety, panic attacks, and anger issues. I also did not expect there to be a mystery at the end. It was very surprising and makes me wonder how that was possible. It will definitely make for an interesting plot in book 2.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews