Finding Calm: The Katrina Calm Series, Book 1

by J. Allen, Megan Martonick (Narrator)

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.

Audible Audio

Published April 7, 2025

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Reviews

[Amy Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the concept behind Finding Calm. I love that mental health in young kids is represented. I love how it shows that each one of the characters had issues they were dealing with in their own lives, and Katrina wasn’t alone in her struggle with anxiety. I love how supportive her dad was, especially in contrast to her friend, Junior’s.

I do feel that the story should be geared toward a slightly younger audience—maybe 8-11, rather than 8-17.

I have a 13-year-old granddaughter, who is in 8th grade, and suffers from anxiety and depression. Though the idea behind this story is great, the story itself would be a little too young for her to relate to. However, she definitely would have related to it in 5th grade (age 10), when her anxiety started. The issues, problems, and stress she faced once she started middle school were quite a bit more complicated.

With that being said, I still applaud J. Allen for bringing attention to a topic that is absolutely not talked about enough!