TurboMax

This is a fantastic book for families trying to understand Bipolar disorder and how it affects siblings. It could also be a helpful tool in therapy for families. The experiences are expressed in journal fashion from the perspective of a child who is living with a bipolar sibling. Enlightening, hopeful, and beautifully illustrated.

"When a child is dealing with the ups and downs of mood disorders, the whole family is affected. Much attention is given to the child with the most obvious problem. But at times the problems the illness causes for the brothers and sisters of the affected child can be overlooked. The siblings of such a child many times find it hard to understand why the family spends so much time with their brother or sister who is "acting up", when they would not be allowed to "get away with" the things the other does. This book will help them to understand what is going on and how to cope with it. It is written in a way so that the information does not come from an authority figure, and the book does not preach to them. The reader is never told what they should do. The book is written as a diary and the boy writing the entries explains his feelings about his sister's illness and the problems it causes in his life. It validates the feelings siblings have, by letting them know they are not alone. It helps them to see a situation similar to one they are in and subtly shows them ways to cope. It also helps parents to understand the feelings of their children who are not having emotional problems, but are still emotional. I wish there was someway to go back in time and give this book to my sister. I sure it would have
helped." T. Schwarz

I just read “Turbo Max” a story for siblings and friends of children with bipolar disorder. I found this book to be encouraging and helpful with some gentle suggestions that each member of the family can apply. I am a few years older than the recommended reading age for this book but, if I apply these gentle suggestions I can plainly see where it will improve many situations with my grandson and others. This is a great book with a good story line to read to a young child, helping them understand what is going on around them or to them. Nice book - I give it "5 Stars!" Grandfather to a child with bipolar disorder

Tracy Anglada writes with clarity and empathy in all of her books. In this case, she writes from the unique perspective of the adolescent sibling of an adolescent with bipolar disorder, in the form of a diary. The diary sounds authentic as we follow Rick and his sister Mandy through some ups and downs most people are not prepared to experience, much less handle. Through the telling of this story, kids can learn about this illness and how to cope with it without being lectured. The story moves quickly and is interesting and engaging. Best of all, the ending is hopeful without being trite. Definitely recommended! Bryna Hebert

I am an LCSW and purchased to use in my practice. Overall I like the book. With younger children have to change some of the story line as it gets into boyfriend/girlfriend relationships. Like the metaphor that was used and have used this even when I have not used the book. Have also used with clients who have been diagnosed with Bipolar. Don W. LCSW