CURSED by Karol Ruth Silverstein (Charlesbridge Teen, June 2019)

A debut novel for fans of The Fault in Our Stars that thoughtfully and humorously depicts teen Ricky Bloom’s struggles with a recent chronic illness diagnosis.

As if her parents’ divorce and sister’s departure for college weren’t bad enough, fourteen-year-old Ricky Bloom has just been diagnosed with a life-changing chronic illness. Her days consist of cursing everyone out, skipping school–which has become a nightmare–daydreaming about her crush, Julio, and trying to keep her parents from realizing just how bad things are. But she can’t keep her ruse up forever.

Ricky’s afraid, angry, alone, and one suspension away from repeating ninth grade when she realizes: she can’t be held back. She’ll do whatever it takes to move forward–even if it means changing the person she’s become. Lured out of her funk by a quirky classmate, Oliver, who’s been there too, Ricky’s porcupine exterior begins to shed some spines. Maybe asking for help isn’t the worst thing in the world. Maybe accepting circumstances doesn’t mean giving up.

Select praise for CURSED:

Booklist review: "A blistering coming-of-age tale that will propel readers into Ricky’s corner."
Kirkus review: “Ricky’s sharp, flowing, uninhibited voice makes this a page-turner… Protagonists with chronic nonmalignant pain and illness are far too rare.”
Publishers Weekly review: "Silverstein, who was diagnosed with arthritis as a teen, excels at evoking the physical and emotional pain Ricky endures without having Ricky’s condition define her. She emerges as a likable, relatable heroine whose wit and sense of hope will prove inspiring."
School Library Journal review: "Readers will enjoy this contemporary coming-of-age story featuring a resilient protagonist and charming plot."