Please Be OK: A Story about Addiction

by Diane O'Neill, Anastasiya Kanavaliuk (illustrator)

A brother's drug use impacts his relationship with his younger sister.

Fiona has always looked up to her big brother, Dylan. But lately, Dylan has stopped spending time with her. He's always hiding in his room or fighting with Mom and Dad, and sometimes the way he acts makes Fiona feel afraid. As Fiona uncovers the truth behind the changes in her sibling, she'll also learn to look past his struggles and remember that he'll always be the Dylan she loves—a big brother who needs help and support from his family to get through a tough time.

Genres: Picture Books, Addiction, Childrens, Family

32 pages, Hardcover

Published October 3, 2024

About the author

Diane O’Neill holds a BA in writing/English with honors from Columbia College and an MFA with distinction from National University. She remembers going to a food pantry as a child and has a passion for social justice. Diane lives in Chicago.

Reviews

[McKenzie Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle

Fiona loves spending time with her older brother, Dylan, but lately Dylan has been acting differently. He rarely leaves his room and Fiona notices him acting strangely. They've always been a team, but now Fiona must decide whether to tell her parents about Dylan's odd behavior.

A heartfelt story about addiction, family, and healing. Nicely written. O'Neill tackles a tough topic with empathy, patience, and care.

The artwork is beautiful and expressive. The illustrations nicely portray the good times and hard times in the family's journey.

A great resource for discussing addiction with children that provides gentle child-appropriate explanations. Includes an Author's Note at the end that reiterates that those whose families are dealing with addition are not alone and that the addiction is not their fault.

A touching story to help explain addiction to young children. This is a fantastic resource for family members of those struggling with addiction.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tender story of a younger sister who realizes something is wrong when her older brother completely changes personality. At first, she doesn't share what she has seen but finally tells her dad about Dylan sweeping things off his desk into the drawer. The confrontation is difficult but mostly plays out in the background. The family is loving and supportive and gets him the help he needs. I appreciate the mom sharing that he may always need some help as this is an addiction. Readers see him reach out via a letter to apologize and ask Fiona to participate in their special times when he gets home. Fiona is honest about it being calmer without her brother there. O'Neill captures the reality of situations like this and offers a soft and encouraging look at a family coping with addiction.

[Shirin Shamsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diane O’Neill’s picture book, Please Be Okay: A Story about Addiction, deals with a difficult topic that at the same time is absolutely needed and necessary. Told from the perspective of a young girl, Fiona, whose brother Dylan often lets her down. Fiona looks up to to her elder brother and is confused by the change in his behavior. Through Fiona’s eyes, readers experience her feelings of bewilderment, disappointment and many of the challenges a family faces when a loved one suffers from addiction. Told with empathy and compassion, this book is very timely. The illustrations by Anastasia Kanavaliuk, are lovely. This is a very special book.

[Natalia Paruzel-Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please Be OK: A Story about Addiction delicately and honestly deals with the difficult subject matter of substance abuse. The relationship between Dylan and Fiona though turbulent is filled with a deep sibling love, and empathy drawing the reader to forge a genuine connection with the characters.

O'Neill's writing cleverly covers the wide range of emotions experienced by both Dylan, the addict, and his younger sister Fiona, as well as their parents. The illustrations are filled with highly expressive characters, and perfectly compliment this poignant story.

[Kathleen Doherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

PLEASE BE OK: A STORY ABOUT ADDICTION is a powerful book that tackles a difficult subject in a sensitive way. This is a valuable book for teachers to discuss with students...and families to discuss with children. The story will especially reach kids who can identify with the main character. For these kids, it may be the first time they feel seen. For other kids, this story will help them understand what some families experience. The story is beautifully written with airtight pacing.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

May this book find its way into the hands of young readers and their families who may be experiencing all that O’Neill’s young character, Fiona, is witnessing and feeling. This is an honest glimpse into Fiona's confusing and scary world. O'Neill carefully reveals the thoughts and actions of all family members, as all are affected by a loved one’s addiction. Included at the back of the book is a strong author’s note, along with SAMHSA help lines, as essential resources.

[Srividhya Venkat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully illustrated book gives a realistic peek into the mind and life of a little girl who worries about the change in her big brother's behaviour, which is ultimately revealed to be addiction.
An essential book on a tough topic rarely seen in the picture book genre, this story is written in an accessible, kid-friendly way.

[Cindy Schrauben · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an important story. It not only fills a need for kids who are struggling with big issues, it also addresses the confusing emotions of guilt and blame that kids internalize when they are dealing with new and traumatic matters. Bravo to O'Neill for bravely addressing this topic.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a powerful book for any family who may be struggling with an addiction. This opens the way to those difficult conversations through the story of Fiona and her compassion for her older brother, Dylan. Make a space on your library shelf!

[Songju Daemicke · Rating 5 out of 5]

PLEASE BE OK: A STORY ABOUT ADDICTION is an important book that addresses a big issue: addiction. The story will help young readers understand what some families experience, the emotional struggles they face, and their love for each other. It is a great conversation starter. Highly recommended.

[Amy Potts Ostrowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please Be Okay will help young ones (and older!) feel like there is hope when a loved one struggles with addiction. O'Neill takes a complex subject and breaks it down into the simple pieces young kids need to know.

[Bookworm4Life · Rating 3 out of 5]

A gentle story that will help children understand when a family member struggles with a drug addiction.

[Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful artwork and does a good job showing addiction from a child's eyes without getting too in-depth or graphic for children. Very well thought out and put together.

[Coro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book, super informative and a very sensitive take on addiction.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well done.

[Sara Swanson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted a little more from this book, but I’m happy that it exists

[PottWab Regional Library]

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[Kristen M.]

Picture book about an older brother's addiction in a simple and straight forward way.

[Heather Stigall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This heartfelt story of addiction is told from the point of view of a young girl, Fiona, as she notices changes in her older brother, Dylan. Changes she struggles to understand. Changes she doesn’t like. Changes that make it difficult to be around the brother who was once her hero. Diane O’Neill’s text tackles a difficult subject with honesty, emotion, and in an approachable way for children to understand a very complex topic. Her author’s note to the reader provides more explanation about addiction and mental illness as well as a number to contact for help. Further, she reassures the reader that if they have a family member with an addiction, they are not alone, and it is not their fault. Anastasiya Kanavaliuk’s expressive illustrations convey all the emotions Fiona faces throughout the book, from disappointment, fear, uncertainty, sadness, guilt, and hopefulness. With so many families dealing with addiction and mental illness, this book is a valuable resource to help explain and open the door for further discussion.