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Braced
Rachel Brooks is excited for the new school year. She's finally earned a place as a forward on her soccer team. Her best friends make everything fun. And she really likes Tate, and she's pretty sure he likes her back. After one last appointment with her scoliosis doctor, this will be her best year yet.
Then the doctor delivers some terrible news: The sideways curve in Rachel's spine has gotten worse, and she needs to wear a back brace twenty-three hours a day. The brace wraps her in hard plastic from shoulder blades to hips. It changes how her clothes fit, how she kicks a ball, and how everyone sees her -- even her friends and Tate. But as Rachel confronts all the challenges the brace presents, the biggest change of all may lie in how she sees herself.
Then the doctor delivers some terrible news: The sideways curve in Rachel's spine has gotten worse, and she needs to wear a back brace twenty-three hours a day. The brace wraps her in hard plastic from shoulder blades to hips. It changes how her clothes fit, how she kicks a ball, and how everyone sees her -- even her friends and Tate. But as Rachel confronts all the challenges the brace presents, the biggest change of all may lie in how she sees herself.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published March 28, 2017
194 people are currently reading
2527 people want to read
About the author
Alyson Gerber
6 books328 followersAlyson Gerber is the NYTimes and USA TODAY bestselling author of The Liars Society series and critically acclaimed, middle grade novels. A former marketing director, Alyson earned her MFA in creative writing at the New School. She grew up in New England and now lives in New York City with her family. Follow her @AlysonGerber and at alysongerber.com
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May 30, 2017It’s about time we got a modern scoliosis story. (Sorry, Judy Blume. I love you and Deenie, but times have changed.) Rachel Brooks just started seventh grade and has to wear a back brace. As she figures out how to function with a big, awkward turtle shell, she also deals with normal teenage things like friends and boys and soccer and dances. And bullying. Her mom went through the same thing at her age — and had surgery for it — and the “You’re so lucky; I had it so much worse” grates on Rachel. The brace makes common things more difficult, but it also helps her deal with her problems head-on. Just because her torso is in a shell doesn’t mean the rest of her needs to be covered up. She stands up for herself and kicks ass on the soccer field. Braced brought back so many memories I didn’t know were still locked away in my brain about my time as a 13-year-old with new metal in her spine and a plaster brace to keep her safe. It’s the perfect portrayal of this twisty-turny time so many teenage girls go through.
— Ashley Holstrom
from The Best Books We Read In March 2017: http://bookriot.com/2017/04/04/riot-r...
— Ashley Holstrom
from The Best Books We Read In March 2017: http://bookriot.com/2017/04/04/riot-r...
August 22, 2016
BRACED is a story for anyone who's ever felt out of place. It's a story about inner strength and honesty, and I cannot sing high enough praises for this book. I absolutely loved it! I was glued to the pages reading this novel. Rachel is such a relatable main character, and I wanted all the best things for her. Scoliosis is not an uncommon condition, and I'm shocked that there are so few stories out there about it for kids. Alyson Gerber manages to portray the struggles and trials of dealing with a back brace beautifully, with grace and integrity. BRACED is an utterly engaging book that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you feeling stronger for having read it. Go Rachel!!!
July 5, 2016
Utterly fantastic. Such a necessary book in terms of the subject matter, but Gerber doesn't make it preachy in the slightest. Rachel is such a real, strong, and lovable character, and the author imbues even the minor characters with strengths and believable flaws. Loved this.
March 1, 2017
This book was extremely hard for me to read emotionally, because it reminded me of so many things I've tried to forget about being in a back brace. The insecurity and frustration, as well as the physical pain made this hard to get through, but I am so happy this book exists. Scoliosis affects you at possibly the worst age, when you're in middle school and people are literally the worst. It's a weird condition to be diagnosed with because people have a very vague understanding as to what scoliosis is and the treatment involved. This story is so important for not only kids with scoliosis to read, but those without it so people can gain a broader understanding of what it's like to have scoliosis. I loved that this is an own voices story and I found to to be extremely accurate in describing what it's like to go through this. The age group this book it targeted to is perfect for the situation, and I could really see this book helping teens who are going through this process. I know I would have benefited greatly by reading a story like this!
November 10, 2019
Even though I will always consider Judy Blume's Deenie a favourite (and my personal introduction to scoliosis and how horrible, painful and embarrassing having to wear a large back brace continuously with no relief can be for in particular teenagers), I do have to admit that yes, Alyson Gerber's Braced feels not only considerably more current and up-to-date than Deenie but is also much more informative and educational with regard to scoliosis as a condition and that indeed, not wearing a brace, not catching scoliosis in time or in a worst case scenario having the brace not work can necessitate dangerous and painful spinal fusion surgery. And indeed that author Alyson Gerber herself had scoliosis and thus had to wear a back brace as a teenager, that certainly does give main character Rachel's struggles with scoliosis very much the feeling of truth and reality (with a first person narration voice in Braced to which I could totally relate and so much so that even though I do not and have never had scoliosis, Rachel's story as it is penned by Alyson Gerber kind of even often feels like my own story whilst I am reading and a main part of this is of course and in my opinion that having to wear a brace for twenty-three hours a day, including at school, naturally makes Rachel feel and look different and sadly also attracts a certain amount of bullying and nastiness, both at school and also while on the soccer field).
Four very glowingly shining stars for Braced but still not yet quite five stars, as while I have certainly much enjoyed reading about (and almost experiencing myself) Rachel's struggles with scoliosis (and do love love love how she is so fiercely determined to continue with her soccer no matter what anyone says to the contrary), I do have my personal issues with how fast Rachel seems to make up with her former best friend Hazel as well as with how Rachel's mother often acts and reacts towards her daughter (but considering her own scoliosis history and that Rachels's mother did in fact have to have spinal fusion surgery when she was Rachel's age, I can certainly albeit also a trifle grudgingly understand her behaviour to an extent and I do indeed very much appreciate and laud that Rachel finally does let her mother know what has been bothering and chafing at her and that her mother also seems to understand and even apologise for her stubbornness and for her "my way or the highway" attitude towards both Rachel's scoliosis and her back brace).
Four very glowingly shining stars for Braced but still not yet quite five stars, as while I have certainly much enjoyed reading about (and almost experiencing myself) Rachel's struggles with scoliosis (and do love love love how she is so fiercely determined to continue with her soccer no matter what anyone says to the contrary), I do have my personal issues with how fast Rachel seems to make up with her former best friend Hazel as well as with how Rachel's mother often acts and reacts towards her daughter (but considering her own scoliosis history and that Rachels's mother did in fact have to have spinal fusion surgery when she was Rachel's age, I can certainly albeit also a trifle grudgingly understand her behaviour to an extent and I do indeed very much appreciate and laud that Rachel finally does let her mother know what has been bothering and chafing at her and that her mother also seems to understand and even apologise for her stubbornness and for her "my way or the highway" attitude towards both Rachel's scoliosis and her back brace).
September 4, 2016
I loved this! Awesome characters, unique, important story - all around great book.
September 17, 2016
Gerber nails the this-can't-be-happening-reality that would beset any kid faced with wearing a back brace as they entered 7th grade. The tension in this book between Rachel and her mom—whose own scoliosis history lies central to the story—is spot on, as his Gerber's presentation of the flimsy, confusing nature of adolescent romance that TV so often boils down (incorrectly) to "She likes him and he likes her and it's all going to be perfect." Young adults looking to overcome trials will find Rachel's journey encouraging but authentic; Gerber makes clear that the the road from crisis to solution is not always a direct, straight line, but a bending curve requiring grit and friendship. BRACED would make a fine addition to any middle school library.
September 7, 2016
Creating an authentic, pitch-perfect middle-grade voice is no mean feat, but Alyson Gerber does it beautifully in her middle-grade novel, BRACED. Gerber's impressive debut focuses on Rachel Brooks, a seventh-grade soccer star who is diagnosed with scoliosis. As a result, Rachel must wear a back brace until she stops growing. Her friends and family are supportive, but living in a back brace, as Rachel soon discovers, is far from easy -- especially when she's getting flak from her soccer teammates. Still, Rachel manages to survive her ordeal with grace and aplomb, with encouragement from her BFFs and her cute science-lab partner, Tate. A satisfying, thoroughly enjoyable novel. Highly and enthusiastically recommended.
July 17, 2017
So not only was the brace stuff in this good and accurate (I didn't struggle like Rachel did, but I recognized so much of the process and could almost feel what it was like wearing it as I read), but this is also just a really good middle grade book? Complex, flawed characters with an emphasis on communication and understanding.
Before reading when the book was announced:
The first standalone novel about scoliosis since Deenie? So there are only 2 MG books about scoliosis, pretty much? Wow...
I didn't have much trouble with my brace--the problem came more with adjusting back after I was done, because all my clothes were too big--but scoliosis still affects me today. So I'm glad this is being published.
Before reading when the book was announced:
The first standalone novel about scoliosis since Deenie? So there are only 2 MG books about scoliosis, pretty much? Wow...
I didn't have much trouble with my brace--the problem came more with adjusting back after I was done, because all my clothes were too big--but scoliosis still affects me today. So I'm glad this is being published.
September 9, 2016
This book gets all the stars! I absolutely adored the main character, Rachel. She's smart and tough and determined not to let anything get in her way, not even a clunky back brace or rude seventh grade boys (aren't seventh grade boys the worst?). Rachel is completely relatable, even though I've never had to wear a brace. Gerber opened my eyes to a brand new perspective and allowed me to feel just as restricted, and frustrated, and claustrophobic as Rachel. Excellent writing, excellent story. You absolutely want to read BRACED!
February 7, 2017
“Sometimes it’s easier to pretend to be someone else, especially when who you really are makes you feel sad.”
Twelve-year-old Rachel Brooks learns she must wear a back brace for scoliosis as her mother did, or risk a complicated surgery, in this intimate and heartfelt story.
At school, Coach Howard has just placed her forward on the team, (she’s that good) and while Rachel loves soccer more than anything, the brace now controls her life. If she misses another practice for a last-minute doctor’s appointment, she won’t make the A team. If she can maneuver like she used to, wearing the brace.
Reluctant to tell BFFs at first, Frannie and Hazel, both on the soccer team, support her. Determined like no one’s business, Rachel works to strengthen her moves on the field, so she’s not cut from the team. But the kids at school are whispering and Rachel feels like a freak wearing the brace. Can she trust her friends?
Rachel finds power through asking for what she wants. She finds her voice to speak out when something bothers her. This empowers Rachel. It empowers the reader. I loved Rachel’s voice her emotions are real and raw. Although I’ve never worn a back brace, this book comforted me. Who hasn’t felt like an outsider? Or felt different than others?
The dynamic between Rachel and her mother, the emotion from their struggle wearing the brace, and their delicate relationship, felt very real and personal. Written from the author’s experience of scoliosis, she takes us on a journey with Rachel, who must face a new normal. A place where not giving up, and speaking out when something bothers you, rule.
Debut Author, March 28th, 2017 by Scholastic Press
“The first contemporary novel about a disorder that bends the lives of ten percent of all teenagers: scoliosis.”
Twelve-year-old Rachel Brooks learns she must wear a back brace for scoliosis as her mother did, or risk a complicated surgery, in this intimate and heartfelt story.
At school, Coach Howard has just placed her forward on the team, (she’s that good) and while Rachel loves soccer more than anything, the brace now controls her life. If she misses another practice for a last-minute doctor’s appointment, she won’t make the A team. If she can maneuver like she used to, wearing the brace.
Reluctant to tell BFFs at first, Frannie and Hazel, both on the soccer team, support her. Determined like no one’s business, Rachel works to strengthen her moves on the field, so she’s not cut from the team. But the kids at school are whispering and Rachel feels like a freak wearing the brace. Can she trust her friends?
Rachel finds power through asking for what she wants. She finds her voice to speak out when something bothers her. This empowers Rachel. It empowers the reader. I loved Rachel’s voice her emotions are real and raw. Although I’ve never worn a back brace, this book comforted me. Who hasn’t felt like an outsider? Or felt different than others?
The dynamic between Rachel and her mother, the emotion from their struggle wearing the brace, and their delicate relationship, felt very real and personal. Written from the author’s experience of scoliosis, she takes us on a journey with Rachel, who must face a new normal. A place where not giving up, and speaking out when something bothers you, rule.
Debut Author, March 28th, 2017 by Scholastic Press
“The first contemporary novel about a disorder that bends the lives of ten percent of all teenagers: scoliosis.”
September 16, 2017
A deeply emotional five stars. I had--have, I suppose--scoliosis. I wore a brace for a year and a half and then had surgery. Sometimes this book made me frustrated because, as usual, it wasn't like that in that I didn't have the friends, the romance, that kind of emotional support. (I also don't remember being made fun of --and my brace had a neck ring--or being in much pain.) But when I finished the book, I just started sobbing.
(I sort of wish the book had been about her mom instead. Not really dealing with it, not being angry, just accepting it. That's what it was like for me. I'm realizing now that maybe that's not so good.)
(I sort of wish the book had been about her mom instead. Not really dealing with it, not being angry, just accepting it. That's what it was like for me. I'm realizing now that maybe that's not so good.)
October 7, 2016
BRACED is so fantastic. Rachel is an entirely relatable and lovable character, and her struggle
to fit in while wearing her back brace feels so authentic. I love that all of the relationships--between Rachel and her parents and between Rachel and her friends--are complicated and challenging and not always perfect, but like all of Rachel's story, they are achingly real. This is such an important, necessary book, and also one that middle grade readers will adore. Highly recommend!
to fit in while wearing her back brace feels so authentic. I love that all of the relationships--between Rachel and her parents and between Rachel and her friends--are complicated and challenging and not always perfect, but like all of Rachel's story, they are achingly real. This is such an important, necessary book, and also one that middle grade readers will adore. Highly recommend!
July 21, 2017
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. A powerful novel about an important subject matter with a fully-fleshed out, relatable MC whom you immediately adore... Rachel is strong, funny, and smart, with a voice and perspective that's honest and authentic. This is a wonderfully plotted, well-written book from a debut author about belonging/feeling out of place, identity, struggle, first crushes, scoliosis, soccer and friendship... I wholeheartedly recommend BRACED!
February 3, 2017
I love books that make me wish I was back in the classroom. I cannot wait to hand this middle grade debut to every teen I know. Alyson Gerber combines the shocking "how can this be happening?" sense of being forced to wear a back brace just as you start 7th grade with the every day realities of family, friends, boyfriends and soccer practice in a pitch perfect way. Rachel is a completely relateable character - and every part of this book - from the doctor's visits to the first school dance rings true. It's a book about a girl with scoliosis - but it's also a book about working hard for what you want, speaking your truth, and figuring out who your friends (and boyfriends) are. Middle school kids are gong to love this one.
March 1, 2017
This was a great middle grade read about a girl with scoliosis and how she dealt with news about needing a brace while also juggling her emotions, friends, family, and her love of soccer. I especially loved the moments when Rachel, the main character, found moments of strength even amidst the gossip and comments about it from students in her grade. I found her to be a very believable and likable character, although not without her own flaws. A wonderful book sure to touch the hearts of young people everywhere, especially young people in the scoliosis community.
April 15, 2017
I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!
I have scoliosis, and have been braced for 2 1/2 years!!!! Not done yet!
My whole family, is made out of major book lovers! And I really needed a book that could put my pain and my journey into the words of a fictional character.
Thank you, so, so, much Alyson Gerber, for giving me the blessing of Braced!!!
I finished my little paperback copy today, and am handing the book to my mom, so I can hand it to my friends, so that they can understand my journey!
Thanks again!!!! And keep writing!!!
I have scoliosis, and have been braced for 2 1/2 years!!!! Not done yet!
My whole family, is made out of major book lovers! And I really needed a book that could put my pain and my journey into the words of a fictional character.
Thank you, so, so, much Alyson Gerber, for giving me the blessing of Braced!!!
I finished my little paperback copy today, and am handing the book to my mom, so I can hand it to my friends, so that they can understand my journey!
Thanks again!!!! And keep writing!!!
June 29, 2019
It’s very hard to write this.
I bought this book a few years ago at the the time of my diagnosis when I got my back brace, as a means of trying to cope and figure out what my life would look like. I love literature, and see it as an escape so turning to books at a time when i couldn’t bring myself to write just sorta made sense.
the thing is, this book sat in my shelf unread for about 3 years.
I know, not my proudest moment ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
So now i’m this very experienced teen with scoliosis who has full on /mastered/ the art of having a brace, Taking it off? like two seconds. The back pain, discomfort, and weakness that are a part of my daily life? Give me a pillow, heating pad, and some ibuprofen and i’m thriving.
what i’m trying to say, is i’ve been there.
i’ve been at that doctors office, i’ve gotten my fitting, adjusted to life etc, and from that point of view, i couldn’t stand this book.
i had such high expectations when i bought it, it’s hard to be let down.
maybe i outgrew this literature style, maybe my maturity and experience with my brace impacted my views, i honestly don’t know, but what i do know, is i couldn’t get myself to finish this book no matter how hard i tried, and i swear i did try.
so, what i disliked.
- why. why why why why why would a doctor ever introduce braving the way it’s written here? as someone who’s been there, it felt cheesy and stereotyped and incredibly over dramatic. a brace isn’t a tragedy, and no matter how the girls mind might warp it, the dialogue caught me off guard
- bracing is very hard at first. i cried, at some chocolate, worries about whether i could continue studying ballet, and a whole bunch of other stuff, so the reaction felt slightly familiar, but what didn’t was the reactions, the way she’s treated like she’s dying, and acts like she’s dying. i want positive messages about scoliosis out there, this didn’t do it for me
- starting off in a brace is difficult and very very uncomfortable, but her reaction and the way she’s coping are SO FRUSTRATING. there are healthier ways to approach this as a new scoliosis warrior soccer player person, so the introduction to bracing was annoying and unsettling
- the way they talked about scars as if they aren’t beautiful [scars are beautiful].
- i’m big on tone and voice and i generally dislike writing written to sound like it’s a preteen, and this was no different
i saw within a few chapters that this book wouldn’t be right for me, but obviously everyone will have a different experience. this is just my point of view.
I bought this book a few years ago at the the time of my diagnosis when I got my back brace, as a means of trying to cope and figure out what my life would look like. I love literature, and see it as an escape so turning to books at a time when i couldn’t bring myself to write just sorta made sense.
the thing is, this book sat in my shelf unread for about 3 years.
I know, not my proudest moment ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
So now i’m this very experienced teen with scoliosis who has full on /mastered/ the art of having a brace, Taking it off? like two seconds. The back pain, discomfort, and weakness that are a part of my daily life? Give me a pillow, heating pad, and some ibuprofen and i’m thriving.
what i’m trying to say, is i’ve been there.
i’ve been at that doctors office, i’ve gotten my fitting, adjusted to life etc, and from that point of view, i couldn’t stand this book.
i had such high expectations when i bought it, it’s hard to be let down.
maybe i outgrew this literature style, maybe my maturity and experience with my brace impacted my views, i honestly don’t know, but what i do know, is i couldn’t get myself to finish this book no matter how hard i tried, and i swear i did try.
so, what i disliked.
- why. why why why why why would a doctor ever introduce braving the way it’s written here? as someone who’s been there, it felt cheesy and stereotyped and incredibly over dramatic. a brace isn’t a tragedy, and no matter how the girls mind might warp it, the dialogue caught me off guard
- bracing is very hard at first. i cried, at some chocolate, worries about whether i could continue studying ballet, and a whole bunch of other stuff, so the reaction felt slightly familiar, but what didn’t was the reactions, the way she’s treated like she’s dying, and acts like she’s dying. i want positive messages about scoliosis out there, this didn’t do it for me
- starting off in a brace is difficult and very very uncomfortable, but her reaction and the way she’s coping are SO FRUSTRATING. there are healthier ways to approach this as a new scoliosis warrior soccer player person, so the introduction to bracing was annoying and unsettling
- the way they talked about scars as if they aren’t beautiful [scars are beautiful].
- i’m big on tone and voice and i generally dislike writing written to sound like it’s a preteen, and this was no different
i saw within a few chapters that this book wouldn’t be right for me, but obviously everyone will have a different experience. this is just my point of view.
April 23, 2017
Rachel is looking forward to a great year. She has two best friends and it’s looking like she may not just make the soccer team but may be playing forward. She even has a crush on a boy, Tate, in her class. Just as her plans start to take off though, she is hit with news about her scoliosis which has been being monitored for years. Rachel must wear a brace to correct the curve of her spine. She has to wear it 23 hours a day, every day. The brace changes how she can kick the soccer ball, how she breathes, how she runs and how she eats. Worse though, it changes how everyone sees her, including her best friends and Tate. What had been going to be the best year ever has become the worst year ever.
Gerber, who wore a brace herself for scoliosis, has created a piercingly clear look at life-changing events like wearing a brace. She takes the time to really look at the brace itself, the impact that it has on an athlete, and the changes it makes in self-perception. I haven’t read a book since Deenie by Judy Blume that tackles this subject and it was high time for a new take on it.
As the adults in Rachel’s life push her to quickly accept the brace, Rachel pushes back and insists on continuing to play soccer. Rachel appears to be coping well, but she is bottling so much up inside her. She is a great character, demonstrating with honesty and strength the importance of voicing aloud to those you love what you are experiencing and feeling. Once Rachel begins to do that, others can support her and help her through. It’s a lesson in vulnerability leading to better understanding that is gracefully presented.
Strong, human and timely, scoliosis impacts ten percent of teens. Appropriate for ages 12-14.
Gerber, who wore a brace herself for scoliosis, has created a piercingly clear look at life-changing events like wearing a brace. She takes the time to really look at the brace itself, the impact that it has on an athlete, and the changes it makes in self-perception. I haven’t read a book since Deenie by Judy Blume that tackles this subject and it was high time for a new take on it.
As the adults in Rachel’s life push her to quickly accept the brace, Rachel pushes back and insists on continuing to play soccer. Rachel appears to be coping well, but she is bottling so much up inside her. She is a great character, demonstrating with honesty and strength the importance of voicing aloud to those you love what you are experiencing and feeling. Once Rachel begins to do that, others can support her and help her through. It’s a lesson in vulnerability leading to better understanding that is gracefully presented.
Strong, human and timely, scoliosis impacts ten percent of teens. Appropriate for ages 12-14.
February 20, 2017
I absolutely loved this book.
I wore a brace as a teenager, and the experience was lonely and isolating. I felt so much shame about it, and that embarrassment stuck with me long after I stopped wearing the brace.
Reading Rachel's story was almost cathartic. She is such a strong, inspiring character, and there's so much truth and raw honesty in her story. Although she makes mistakes, Rachel is a character you can root for and learn from.
The relationships in the book are all excellent. The supporting characters are fully realized, and Rachel's relationship with her mother is a real stand out. She's not perfect, and she makes mistakes, but that just makes the storyline even more touching.
I'd definitely recommend this to anybody with scoliosis; this issue isn't discussed nearly enough in kidlit, and I felt better having read it--even years after wearing my brace. But this is more than just an issue book. I'd also recommend it to any middle grade reader who loves a good story with relatable, lovable characters.
I wore a brace as a teenager, and the experience was lonely and isolating. I felt so much shame about it, and that embarrassment stuck with me long after I stopped wearing the brace.
Reading Rachel's story was almost cathartic. She is such a strong, inspiring character, and there's so much truth and raw honesty in her story. Although she makes mistakes, Rachel is a character you can root for and learn from.
The relationships in the book are all excellent. The supporting characters are fully realized, and Rachel's relationship with her mother is a real stand out. She's not perfect, and she makes mistakes, but that just makes the storyline even more touching.
I'd definitely recommend this to anybody with scoliosis; this issue isn't discussed nearly enough in kidlit, and I felt better having read it--even years after wearing my brace. But this is more than just an issue book. I'd also recommend it to any middle grade reader who loves a good story with relatable, lovable characters.
December 5, 2017
Guys. The cover. I loved it. So pretty, so well done. The butterfly wings and the brace at the same time? Totally well done.
I have a couple of things to say about the book itself.
First, I have to say that Rachel was a bit whiny.
Next, I don’t appreciate their line “Moms are the worst.” Really girls? If it wasn’t for mom’s you wouldn’t be here. Give them some slack. And some respect! They have been here like forever longer than you have!
I don’t understand why they didn’t evaluate more about the surgery. If it was such a strong point about not wanting to have to have it, and needing to wear the brace, there should be a bit more fear, or facts about it I think.
Other then that, I really enjoyed this book! The story was well done. I really liked their emphasis on the need for communication between everyone, kids and parents as well as friends.
Tate is such a coward.
It’s your average 7th grade story. Except add a back brace on top of that. Makes it a bit more dramatic.
It was very realistic though, and I like that. Overall, I would recommend this for my friends between 12 and 16. :)
I have a couple of things to say about the book itself.
First, I have to say that Rachel was a bit whiny.
Next, I don’t appreciate their line “Moms are the worst.” Really girls? If it wasn’t for mom’s you wouldn’t be here. Give them some slack. And some respect! They have been here like forever longer than you have!
I don’t understand why they didn’t evaluate more about the surgery. If it was such a strong point about not wanting to have to have it, and needing to wear the brace, there should be a bit more fear, or facts about it I think.
Other then that, I really enjoyed this book! The story was well done. I really liked their emphasis on the need for communication between everyone, kids and parents as well as friends.
Tate is such a coward.
It’s your average 7th grade story. Except add a back brace on top of that. Makes it a bit more dramatic.
It was very realistic though, and I like that. Overall, I would recommend this for my friends between 12 and 16. :)
Read
December 28, 2017Seventh grader Rachel Brooks loves soccer, and this year, she's starting! Things couldn't be more exciting. But then she learns she must wear a back brace for scoliosis. It's awkward. It's hot. It's painful. It could ruin her life. But the thing I love MOST about this story, is that Rachel doesn't let it. This beautiful middle-grade novel will give readers the courage and strength they need to face whatever difficulties lie ahead for them personally. Highly recommended!
August 26, 2017
Check out my blog for more reviews and other bookish posts! This is a spoiler-free review!
“I feel like a bad person as soon as the words come out of my mouth. It’s not true. Not really. I know surgery is hard and scary in a different, bigger way. But then I wouldn’t have to wear a brace to school and people wouldn’t be weirded out by me. They’d be worried.”
I received a hardcover copy from Scholastic through Disability in Kidlit in exchange for an honest review!
I was so excited to read Braced. I had never heard of it until Disability in Kidlit mentioned on Twitter they were looking for someone who wears or used to wear a back brace to read this novel, so I’m very glad I volunteered.
In this review, I’m mainly going to compare my experiences to the ones that are portrayed in this novel. No one’s experience is the same. This is an #OwnVoices novel, so I’m not going to discredit her experiences.
Braced brought me back to ten years ago. The way Rachel reacted when she saw a brace for the first time, how she had to buy an entire new wardrobe, thinking it doesn’t matter to be out of the brace for only a few extra hours, thinking a surgery would be easier… It’s a part of my life I rarely look back on, but this novel brought back so many memories.
I was ten or eleven years old when my entire class went to a medical screening and the doctor told me there was something wrong with my spine. Scoliosis doesn’t run in my family, so that already makes my experience very different from Rachel’s. But just like Rachel, I had to wear mine nearly as good as all the time, except for when I took a shower. As I went to secondary eduction, I refused to wear the back brace to school anymore. When you become a teenager, all you want to do is fit in. And the brace made that impossible. Braced portrayed those feelings perfectly.
One of the biggest differences between Rachel and me – or probably between Belgian and American health care – is that I had to go to a physiotherapist, to learn how to breath in the brace and do other exercises. Rachel didn’t have to do that.
As you could expect from a novel such as Braced, a lot of the other pupils were mean. Thankfully, Rachel’s friends were very supportive. Especially Frannie was such a darling. But in my case, it was often the teachers who hurt me the most. I was bullied by other pupils because of the way I walked and it broke my heart when I found out that even my friends were talking about me behind my back. But when teacher came up to me and asked me “Why do you walk that way?” or when they knew about my back brace even though I didn’t tell them, that possibly hurt me even more. Sometimes, you forget you’re different. But when people, especially adults, say stuff like that, you remember you aren’t like everyone else. To this day, this still happens and it hurts just as much.
Unfortunately, I got the impression that if you try hard enough, you will be able to live your life like an able-bodied person. For instance, when Rachel manages to put the brace on all by herself, she says: “I guess when you don’t have another choice, you have to make things happen for yourself”. I wore mine for almost three years and I was never able to fasten it by myself. And now you’re telling me I just didn’t try hard enough? No, sometimes, you aren’t able to do something. It’s not a shame to have to do things differently. That’s the stigma we need to get rid of, instead of saying that anything’s possible if you want it badly enough.
Furthermore, it was very convenient that Rachel’s father was a doctor. He writes her notes excusing her from gym, because she doesn’t want that to be her only hour without her brace. Is that even ethical, writing a doctor’s note for your own daughter? Either way, the rest of us don’t have parents who are able to do that. Every year, I mentioned to my gym teachers that I had scoliosis, and never once did they take it into account. No wonder I hate doing sports to this day.
Braced is a Middle Grade novel and I’d definitely recommend it to my pupils and friends. I really adored the family dynamics, as they weren’t perfect. Rachel misses her dad because he works so much and her relationship with her mother is rocky because she keeps saying Rachel is lucky for not having to undergo surgery. Even though neither of my parents had to undergo such a surgery, that’s what they kept saying to me as well: “You HAVE TO wear it, you don’t want to have surgery, right?!”. But like I said, as a teenager, that sometimes seemed like a better option. I realise now that that’s definitely not the case, but being visibly different from others at such an age is very difficult as well.
The author’s note was beautiful. Gerber mentions the brace became easier to manage physically, but never emotionally. And I can certainly agree with that. I rarely look back on that time. It’s not like I forgot those experiences, but perhaps suppressed them. And in my case, my struggles weren’t over once I stopped wearing the back brace. Every single day, I’m in pain. Scoliosis doesn’t necessarily have to hurt, but my muscles have lost all their strength, so I have to go to the hospital twice a week to strengthen them. I’m only twenty-two years old, so it’s very hard to accept that my body is in such a condition. I don’t want to know what it’s going to be like when I reach my parents’ age.
conclusion: Braced is a wonderful #OwnVoices novel about a girl who has to wear a back brace because of her scoliosis. It brought back so many memories and definitely resembled a lot of my experiences. I would recommend this to everyone. Thank you Disability in Kidlit for getting this book in my hands!
You can also find me on Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, Pinterest and Wordpress!
“I feel like a bad person as soon as the words come out of my mouth. It’s not true. Not really. I know surgery is hard and scary in a different, bigger way. But then I wouldn’t have to wear a brace to school and people wouldn’t be weirded out by me. They’d be worried.”
I received a hardcover copy from Scholastic through Disability in Kidlit in exchange for an honest review!
I was so excited to read Braced. I had never heard of it until Disability in Kidlit mentioned on Twitter they were looking for someone who wears or used to wear a back brace to read this novel, so I’m very glad I volunteered.
In this review, I’m mainly going to compare my experiences to the ones that are portrayed in this novel. No one’s experience is the same. This is an #OwnVoices novel, so I’m not going to discredit her experiences.
Braced brought me back to ten years ago. The way Rachel reacted when she saw a brace for the first time, how she had to buy an entire new wardrobe, thinking it doesn’t matter to be out of the brace for only a few extra hours, thinking a surgery would be easier… It’s a part of my life I rarely look back on, but this novel brought back so many memories.
I was ten or eleven years old when my entire class went to a medical screening and the doctor told me there was something wrong with my spine. Scoliosis doesn’t run in my family, so that already makes my experience very different from Rachel’s. But just like Rachel, I had to wear mine nearly as good as all the time, except for when I took a shower. As I went to secondary eduction, I refused to wear the back brace to school anymore. When you become a teenager, all you want to do is fit in. And the brace made that impossible. Braced portrayed those feelings perfectly.
One of the biggest differences between Rachel and me – or probably between Belgian and American health care – is that I had to go to a physiotherapist, to learn how to breath in the brace and do other exercises. Rachel didn’t have to do that.
As you could expect from a novel such as Braced, a lot of the other pupils were mean. Thankfully, Rachel’s friends were very supportive. Especially Frannie was such a darling. But in my case, it was often the teachers who hurt me the most. I was bullied by other pupils because of the way I walked and it broke my heart when I found out that even my friends were talking about me behind my back. But when teacher came up to me and asked me “Why do you walk that way?” or when they knew about my back brace even though I didn’t tell them, that possibly hurt me even more. Sometimes, you forget you’re different. But when people, especially adults, say stuff like that, you remember you aren’t like everyone else. To this day, this still happens and it hurts just as much.
Unfortunately, I got the impression that if you try hard enough, you will be able to live your life like an able-bodied person. For instance, when Rachel manages to put the brace on all by herself, she says: “I guess when you don’t have another choice, you have to make things happen for yourself”. I wore mine for almost three years and I was never able to fasten it by myself. And now you’re telling me I just didn’t try hard enough? No, sometimes, you aren’t able to do something. It’s not a shame to have to do things differently. That’s the stigma we need to get rid of, instead of saying that anything’s possible if you want it badly enough.
Furthermore, it was very convenient that Rachel’s father was a doctor. He writes her notes excusing her from gym, because she doesn’t want that to be her only hour without her brace. Is that even ethical, writing a doctor’s note for your own daughter? Either way, the rest of us don’t have parents who are able to do that. Every year, I mentioned to my gym teachers that I had scoliosis, and never once did they take it into account. No wonder I hate doing sports to this day.
Braced is a Middle Grade novel and I’d definitely recommend it to my pupils and friends. I really adored the family dynamics, as they weren’t perfect. Rachel misses her dad because he works so much and her relationship with her mother is rocky because she keeps saying Rachel is lucky for not having to undergo surgery. Even though neither of my parents had to undergo such a surgery, that’s what they kept saying to me as well: “You HAVE TO wear it, you don’t want to have surgery, right?!”. But like I said, as a teenager, that sometimes seemed like a better option. I realise now that that’s definitely not the case, but being visibly different from others at such an age is very difficult as well.
The author’s note was beautiful. Gerber mentions the brace became easier to manage physically, but never emotionally. And I can certainly agree with that. I rarely look back on that time. It’s not like I forgot those experiences, but perhaps suppressed them. And in my case, my struggles weren’t over once I stopped wearing the back brace. Every single day, I’m in pain. Scoliosis doesn’t necessarily have to hurt, but my muscles have lost all their strength, so I have to go to the hospital twice a week to strengthen them. I’m only twenty-two years old, so it’s very hard to accept that my body is in such a condition. I don’t want to know what it’s going to be like when I reach my parents’ age.
conclusion: Braced is a wonderful #OwnVoices novel about a girl who has to wear a back brace because of her scoliosis. It brought back so many memories and definitely resembled a lot of my experiences. I would recommend this to everyone. Thank you Disability in Kidlit for getting this book in my hands!
You can also find me on Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, Pinterest and Wordpress!
July 10, 2022
When I first heard about this book, I thought it would basically be the same story as Deenie, which I loved and read many times when I was growing up. However, while the concept is similar, the stories are nothing alike and this was a refreshing take on what it's like for a preteen girl to wear a brace.
Drawing from her own experience, Alyson Gerber wrote a story that is easily relatable, even if you've never had the experience yourself. I can't even imagine having to wear that heavy and uncomfortable thing for twenty-three hours a day. I'm impressed by Rachel's tenacity and how she fights to still play on her soccer team. I also feel so bad for her when her friends make her feel bad about herself and her mom is being overly pushy about the rules and making last minute doctor appointments that conflict with her soccer schedule. On top of that, her crush is giving her mixed signals and her dad is barely ever around due to his demanding work schedule.
I recently read Taking Up Space, which is also by Alyson Gerber. While the stories are completely different, they do have a few things in common and I could see some parallels. Just an observation though.
Braced is Alyson's debut and a very strong one at that. I'm excited for my daughter to read it soon and I hope it will be to her what Deenie was to me.
Drawing from her own experience, Alyson Gerber wrote a story that is easily relatable, even if you've never had the experience yourself. I can't even imagine having to wear that heavy and uncomfortable thing for twenty-three hours a day. I'm impressed by Rachel's tenacity and how she fights to still play on her soccer team. I also feel so bad for her when her friends make her feel bad about herself and her mom is being overly pushy about the rules and making last minute doctor appointments that conflict with her soccer schedule. On top of that, her crush is giving her mixed signals and her dad is barely ever around due to his demanding work schedule.
I recently read Taking Up Space, which is also by Alyson Gerber. While the stories are completely different, they do have a few things in common and I could see some parallels. Just an observation though.
Braced is Alyson's debut and a very strong one at that. I'm excited for my daughter to read it soon and I hope it will be to her what Deenie was to me.
January 3, 2017
Gerber, Alyson Braced, 304 pages. Arthur A. Levine (Scholastic), MARCH 2017. $17. Content: G.
As 7th grade starts, Rachel is excited to become starter on her school’s soccer team. But, she has always known that there is possibility that she might have to wear a brace – her mother had her spine fused because of scoliosis and Rachel is a possible candidate. When the dreaded news is handed down, Rachel is sure that her life and her soccer career are over. Her friend, teammates, and school acquaintances have different degrees of support and disdain for Rachel’s new challenge. Things at home aren’t much smoother – even though her mother endured a brace of her own, Rachel doesn’t feel like she has much empathy for her plight.
Gerber manages to write to teaching book that flows as a natural read. Drawing upon her own experiences wearing a scoliosis brace, she addresses the issues in a way that will help and educate without preaching. Rachel is a very relatable character and her friends are just the right blend of clueless and helpful to ring true to the age group.
EL, MS – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
As 7th grade starts, Rachel is excited to become starter on her school’s soccer team. But, she has always known that there is possibility that she might have to wear a brace – her mother had her spine fused because of scoliosis and Rachel is a possible candidate. When the dreaded news is handed down, Rachel is sure that her life and her soccer career are over. Her friend, teammates, and school acquaintances have different degrees of support and disdain for Rachel’s new challenge. Things at home aren’t much smoother – even though her mother endured a brace of her own, Rachel doesn’t feel like she has much empathy for her plight.
Gerber manages to write to teaching book that flows as a natural read. Drawing upon her own experiences wearing a scoliosis brace, she addresses the issues in a way that will help and educate without preaching. Rachel is a very relatable character and her friends are just the right blend of clueless and helpful to ring true to the age group.
EL, MS – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
February 1, 2017
In her seventh grade year, Rachel Brooks plans to start on her school's soccer team, hang with her best friends and maybe get a boyfriend. She doesn't plan to wear a hard plastic back brace twenty-three hours a day that stretches from her shoulders to her hips.
Rachel needs the brace to prevent the curve in her spine, caused by scoliosis, from getting worse. She understands how important it is, but that doesn't alter the fact that the brace changes everything. Wearing clothes, playing soccer, even hanging with her friends become new and daunting challenges. To make matters worse, her mother doesn't seem to understand why she's having such a hard time adjusting to life in the brace.
Readers will ache as Rachel confronts cruelty at school, misunderstandings at home and disappointments on the soccer field. Author Alyson Gerber has crafted an honest, realistic, funny voice that will draw readers in and keep them rooting for Rachel till the very end. Particularly poignant are the complicated relationships that Gerber draws between Rachel and her mother and Rachel and her best friends.
An important book about finding inner strength even in difficult situations.
Rachel needs the brace to prevent the curve in her spine, caused by scoliosis, from getting worse. She understands how important it is, but that doesn't alter the fact that the brace changes everything. Wearing clothes, playing soccer, even hanging with her friends become new and daunting challenges. To make matters worse, her mother doesn't seem to understand why she's having such a hard time adjusting to life in the brace.
Readers will ache as Rachel confronts cruelty at school, misunderstandings at home and disappointments on the soccer field. Author Alyson Gerber has crafted an honest, realistic, funny voice that will draw readers in and keep them rooting for Rachel till the very end. Particularly poignant are the complicated relationships that Gerber draws between Rachel and her mother and Rachel and her best friends.
An important book about finding inner strength even in difficult situations.
June 11, 2021
I started reading Braced only because it is Scoliosis Awareness month and being a scoliosis warrior I felt the want to read a book that I could relate to. Braced gave me serious deja vu moment not because I went through the same exact ride as Rachel but because there are so many similarities on how scoliosis makes you feel and what it does.
Braced is an easy fast paced read, you just want to know what’ll happen to Rachel. I did not expect to enjoy reading it only because I googled about the book and never heard of it. I loved the book because it explained and discussed scoliosis in a very simplified way that revolves around Rachel which allows you to learn a bit about Scoliosis. It also spoke of the importance of speaking up to your family members without holding back to allow them in to how you’re feeling. Other than that, the importance of friendship was highly mentioned and spoken of in the book to not feel alone and odd around the people you love.
I just love how Gerber managed to write Braced it was so well rounded and beautiful. Took me back to days I did not even remember the struggle of.
Braced is an easy fast paced read, you just want to know what’ll happen to Rachel. I did not expect to enjoy reading it only because I googled about the book and never heard of it. I loved the book because it explained and discussed scoliosis in a very simplified way that revolves around Rachel which allows you to learn a bit about Scoliosis. It also spoke of the importance of speaking up to your family members without holding back to allow them in to how you’re feeling. Other than that, the importance of friendship was highly mentioned and spoken of in the book to not feel alone and odd around the people you love.
I just love how Gerber managed to write Braced it was so well rounded and beautiful. Took me back to days I did not even remember the struggle of.
November 25, 2016
This is a book full of soccer, fun friendship, first crushes, and most of all, compassion. Our main character, Rachel, pretty much feels like her life is ruined when she's told she must wear a back brace 23-hours a day for her scoliosis. Vivid descriptions of the brace along with Rachel's observations will help reader understand Rachel's daily struggles, but Rachel is never a girl to be pitied. She is smart and STRONG (she is especially good at standing up for herself!) and tackles each and every challenge. But most impressive, is that while the reader is asked to be sympathetic with Rachel, we see Rachel learn how to be aware of other people's problems and perspectives as well. An incredibly thoughtful book with a perfect middle grade book, BRACED is a novel that should be read by all, adults and kids, brace wearers and non-brace wearer alikes.
April 1, 2024
Rachel just started seventh grade and has to wear a back brace. As she figures out how to function with an awkward turtle shell, she also deals with normal teenager things like friends and boys and soccer and dances. And bullying. The brace makes common things more difficult, but it also helps her deal with her problems head-on. She stands up for herself and kicks ass on the soccer field.
Braced brought back so many memories I didn’t know were still locked away in my brain about my time as a 13-year-old with new metal in her spine and a plaster brace to keep her safe. It’s the perfect portrayal of this twisty-turny time so many teenage girls go through.
✨ From Get Your Curve on with These Books about Scoliosis at Crooked Reads.
Braced brought back so many memories I didn’t know were still locked away in my brain about my time as a 13-year-old with new metal in her spine and a plaster brace to keep her safe. It’s the perfect portrayal of this twisty-turny time so many teenage girls go through.
✨ From Get Your Curve on with These Books about Scoliosis at Crooked Reads.
April 21, 2025
Was a pretty good book on some levels and then I was disappointed with other aspects.
Characters:
Rachel was a good character, she was a typical teenage girl, but her arc over the course of the book was actually really good.
Hazel, got annoyed with her at times...but overall she seemed like a pretty good girl.
Franny was awesome! I loved her spunk and how quick she always was to stand up for Rachel! She's a true friend that anyone would want in their corner.
Tate was nice...but he messed up big time...but still, peer pressure get to everyone, I guess.
Themes:
The importance of talking to your parents and letting them know what you need and what your going through. Really a solid theme that I appreciated a lot because it's not one you see super often.
Language:
There may have been some side words used but I didn't notice any...listened while working so I may have missed something.
Romance:
Two kisses, that get kind of passionate...especially for a MG book, which, I'm guessing this is since the main character is 12. Also, I get that girls in public school and (homeschool groups probably) talk about girl parts and things like romance and dating, but it is necessary to encourage that with books? The girls talking about a guy wanting to take a relationship to 'second base', code for kissing and touching *ahem* the upper body area was just not cool for a MG book...no wonder kids are over sexualized. That should not be normalized for a 12 year old, or even older than that. Wasn't a fan of that aspect of things or how it was handled.
Overall:
This was a good book, I enjoyed being in Rachel's shoes and thinking about how hard it would be to wear a brace all the time. Helps you show more compassion to others. Though I knew most of it because my brother had a back brace he had to wear for 12 hours, which he wore overnight. And one of my sisters wore a foot brace for 14 hours a day as well, so I'm familiar with that side of things and hor hot and stick and stinky those things can get.
Overall, I'd recommend this for ages 14 or 15+ due to the romance content. If that had been different it would have been a good discussion book for younger kids.
Characters:
Rachel was a good character, she was a typical teenage girl, but her arc over the course of the book was actually really good.
Hazel, got annoyed with her at times...but overall she seemed like a pretty good girl.
Franny was awesome! I loved her spunk and how quick she always was to stand up for Rachel! She's a true friend that anyone would want in their corner.
Tate was nice...but he messed up big time...but still, peer pressure get to everyone, I guess.
Themes:
The importance of talking to your parents and letting them know what you need and what your going through. Really a solid theme that I appreciated a lot because it's not one you see super often.
Language:
There may have been some side words used but I didn't notice any...listened while working so I may have missed something.
Romance:
Two kisses, that get kind of passionate...especially for a MG book, which, I'm guessing this is since the main character is 12. Also, I get that girls in public school and (homeschool groups probably) talk about girl parts and things like romance and dating, but it is necessary to encourage that with books? The girls talking about a guy wanting to take a relationship to 'second base', code for kissing and touching *ahem* the upper body area was just not cool for a MG book...no wonder kids are over sexualized. That should not be normalized for a 12 year old, or even older than that. Wasn't a fan of that aspect of things or how it was handled.
Overall:
This was a good book, I enjoyed being in Rachel's shoes and thinking about how hard it would be to wear a brace all the time. Helps you show more compassion to others. Though I knew most of it because my brother had a back brace he had to wear for 12 hours, which he wore overnight. And one of my sisters wore a foot brace for 14 hours a day as well, so I'm familiar with that side of things and hor hot and stick and stinky those things can get.
Overall, I'd recommend this for ages 14 or 15+ due to the romance content. If that had been different it would have been a good discussion book for younger kids.
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