26 Degrees: A Teen Scoliosis Memoir

by Emily Kacinskas

At fourteen, a scoliosis diagnosis turned one number into her whole 26 degrees.

What starts as a sore back from playing volleyball with a friend quickly spirals into a life-altering diagnosis. In an instant, Emily is thrown into a new reality of back braces, endless doctor visits, and the exhausting pressure to pretend everything is fine when it isn't.

Suddenly, she's navigating high school hallways with plastic armor strapped to her torso, trying to stand tall while battling pain most people will never see.

Blending memoir and self-help, 26 Degrees shares Emily's heartfelt stories of frustration, perseverance, and small victories, along with the practical tools that got her

Mental health strategies for the hard daysPhysical tips and tricks for life in a braceHonest advice on school, friends, and feeling differentEncouragement for anyone who feels alone in their diagnosisFor teens facing scoliosis, and the parents who want to understand what they're going through.

Written by a teen who's been there, 26 Degrees is a reminder that you're not alone and that you're stronger than your curve.

143 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2025

Reviews

[Joan R · Rating 5 out of 5]

26 Degrees is such a relatable and inspiring read. I could feel every emotion—fear, frustration, and hope—while Emily shared her journey with scoliosis. She writes honestly about the pain of wearing a brace and the mental toll it takes, but also shows how she found strength and confidence through it all. It’s not just a book about scoliosis; it’s about facing any challenge and finding joy in small moments. Reading it made me feel less alone and reminded me that struggles can make you stronger.

[Jennifer Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

26 Degrees by Emily Kacinskas is a powerful memoir about her journey with scoliosis and the pain she experienced. I thought it was really honest and emotional, and it helped me understand how scoliosis can affect someone’s everyday life. Emily’s story was inspiring because she kept going even when things were difficult. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a real and meaningful story.

[Andrew Tate · Rating 5 out of 5]

26 Degrees is a heartfelt memoir that captures the emotional and physical challenges of living with scoliosis. Emily Kacinskas writes with honesty and vulnerability, making her journey relatable to teens and young adults facing adversity. While the pacing can feel a bit uneven at times, the raw sincerity and hopeful tone make this book both inspiring and impactful.

[Rebecca Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

26 Degrees is a heartfelt, honest memoir about living with scoliosis and wearing a brace. The author captures the daily struggles—both physical and emotional—with clarity and resilience. While supporting characters could be more developed, the story’s raw vulnerability and hopeful tone make it an inspiring, relatable read for anyone facing hidden challenges.

[Jennifer Nash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book is about a girl who finds out she has scoliosis and how her whole life kinda flips—sports, confidence, everything. It’s super real and doesn’t try to make everything sound perfect, which I liked a lot. Some parts with the medical stuff were a bit slow, but overall it’s really inspiring and relatable. If you’ve ever felt different or gone through something tough, this book hits different.

[Abigail Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story part was good! I found the tips helpful but I already went through that so it didn't really matter. Really quick and easy read!