Jellybean

Ellie battles feelings of anxiety about school that she can’t explain in this sensitively told tale from acclaimed author Eve Ainsworth.

When Ellie wakes up one day and can’t face going to school, her parents think there must be a reason. Is she being bullied? Or is the schoolwork too hard? But neither of these things are true, and Ellie finds it impossible to explain how she feels.

As the days of absence turn into weeks and then months, Ellie’s parents support her through this difficult time, but can she find a way to go back?

Reviews

"Dedicated to anyone who has ever suffered from anxiety, this gentle story explores the complex feelings behind school avoidance: a problem that has seen a huge increase in recent years, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic. In a super-accessible format, interspersed with black and white illustrations, Ellie’s journey shows how the right support and therapy can equip young people with the strategies to process difficult emotions and manage anxiety." — BookTrust, Book of the Day

"This is a gentle and authentically honest portrayal of a young girl suffering from severe anxiety and school refusal, which is sadly a growing problem in the UK … an essential read for teachers and parents … Ellie’s story will undoubtedly resonate with and reassure many young readers." — LoveReading4Kids

"Not only is Jellybean an excellent book, it is an essential read for anyone who is suffering from EBSA (Emotionally Based School Avoidance), their family or their friends … Written from Ellie's perspective, we gain a real understanding about the effects of school avoidance on the child and family as well as their friends." — ReadingZone review

"A powerful story for children who have experienced anxiety about school. Whether they’ve actually stayed away from school for long periods or pushed through stressful, teary mornings when leaving the house is so hard, it shows them they are not alone … Schools, GPs and Education Welfare Officers will be able to recommend this book to parents who are looking after anxious young people." — Scope for Imagination, blog

"An empathetic portrayal of school-based anxiety told through the eyes of Ellie, a young girl who wakes up and is so overcome with anxiety that she cannot attend school and continues to not attend for a large period of time. As a teacher, this short story hit home. It reflects how absence is not always rooted in bullying or academic pressure. A powerful read." – NetGalley review

About the author

Eve Ainsworth is a working-class, award-winning and Carnegie Medal nominated children’s author who has written for both middle-grade and teen readers. Eve also has a background working for primary and secondary schools in pastoral and child-protection roles.