As a parent of a child who has been receiving treatment for anxiety, Billy quickly resonated with me. So much of his behavior and thoughts sounded so very familiar to me! Billy gives his anxiety a name in the form of Gobber, and Gobber often keeps Billy from doing what he wants to do.

However, with patient parents and a sympathetic teacher, Billy finds something to focus on that keeps his mind off Gobber: cooking (a passion my child shares). Even with this newfound skill, things are not magically better for Billy, and he often wants to give up.

Americans might have some issues with this book, as British colloquialisms are used, though you should be able to figure it out with little trouble.

I liked that Billy’s problems didn’t magically evaporate—overcoming anxiety is a process full of setbacks, and it takes time. I also appreciate that his parents weren’t endlessly patient, since dealing with an anxious child can be frustrating.

Possible Objectionable Material:
Bullying, naughty behavior—both deliberate and as a result of anxiety.

Who Might Like This Book:
Kids (or adults) who like cooking or who have experienced anxiety or other issues that make it hard to be a part of the world sometimes. And anyone who likes stories about a boy who overcomes (mostly) his troubles.
This review also at http://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2016/05/cooking-can-help-cure-your-woes.html

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC! ( )

Billy Bramble is a young boy who is always in trouble. Billy Bramble, Billy Bramble is all he hears and he is tired of it. This book will pull at your heartstrings as you hear how badly Billy feels about himself. It is written in the first person and Billy definitely serves as the poster child for kids wrestling with the demons of trauma. We do not find out what has happened to Billy to bring him to this point, but he finds the world difficult and thinks he is unlovable and unable to succeed at anything. He's disruptive, mouthy, uncooperative, provocative, and disorganized. As the saying goes, if it weren't for bad luck, Billy would have no luck at all.

Billy does not have many friends and those that try to befriend him are just as apt to be hit, punched or yelled at. He has a pet chicken named facebook because his mother won't let him have a facbook account and a dog Gobber. Actually, Gobber is not real to anyone but Billy, whom he terrorizes. Billy wonders why no one else can see him, or hear him, or feel him. With heart-breaking honesty, Billy asserts, "I think that Gobber is my life sentence." Gobber relishes Billy's mistakes and misfortune and actually makes things worse for him. Billy wishes he could get through the days without Gobber nipping at his heels, terrifying and distracting him. Fortunately for Billy, his mother and one of his teachers are his cheerleaders. They encourage him and congratulate him on a job well done. He does not get punished badly when he brings home a snotty green letter. As much as his parents and teachers wish Billy could pull himself together, Billy wants it even more earnestly. But not Gobber; he wants to keep Billy trapped in a world of fear, worry and anger.

When Billy is encouraged and tricked into entering the Big Cook Off, he goes through many emotions. He does not think he will do well, he wants to back out, he quits and reenters, he runs away and hides, but in the end, he participates. Will Billy finally meet success, defeat Gobber, and win the Great Cook Off?

The author has included black and white illustrations (drawn by Billy) that also include lists such as corrections from teachers, things I hate etc. They add just the right element to the story. The way this story is written, it allows the reader to feel Billy's anguish and frustration as he struggles to rein in his self-saboteur. A great little book that will entertain middle graders as well as let them see themselves in another light. Is there a Billy in their class that needs their support? ( )