If I Could Call a Genie

Imogen Baxendale is a normal girl (if any pubescent girl can be called normal), living quite a normal sort of life of going to school and weekly riding lessons, until unexplained fatigue and emotional turmoil begin to dominate her life. Numerous trips to the doctor and specialists result in a diagnosis of depression. ‘IF I COULD CALL A GENIE and make the black line go’ is Gen’s own, intensely private, journal which takes the reader through her journey with childhood/adolescent depression. Aimed at the older child/young teenager this book will provide solace and empathy for anyone experiencing depression themselves, and insight and education for anyone accompanying someone else on that journey.

Written as fiction, with all the characters being fictional, it is written by someone with personal experience of childhood depression and, in that, it is very autobiographical. The author revisited many of the feelings and experiences of her teenage years to capture an authentic description of the emotions and desperation often felt. It is, however, framed in contemporary society with up to date medical and therapeutic interventions.

This book is very timely. We are living in a society where increasing levels of childhood depression are being recognized and where statistics suggest that 10% of under 16 year olds will experience some form of mental health problem. The character of Gen Baxendale will give these children someone to identify with, a friend with whom to travel through their own experiences. Someone who understands and knows that wishful thinking is not enough to make them better: