Cursed
Book • 2019 • Drama
ReportSynopsis
Cursed by Karol Ruth Silverstein is a young adult novel about 14-year-old Erica "Ricky" Bloom, who is navigating a new diagnosis of juvenile arthritis, her parents' divorce, and the challenges of high school, all while dealing with chronic pain and frustration.
The book, inspired by the author's own experience, humorously and honestly portrays Ricky's anger, her attempts to cope by skipping school, and her eventual journey toward self-advocacy and friendship as she learns to accept help and move forward. It won the Schneider Family Book Award.
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Meat
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Does a kid die?
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There is discussion of children with cancer, and the prospect that some die, but none die in the narrative
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A character cuts his hair to donate on behalf of the protagonist
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Is a child abandoned by a parent?
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The protagonist feels abandoned by her dad, who divorced her mom. He is still in the picture, but not as attentive as he should be in the beginning of the book. He improves later
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Are any hands damaged?
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The protagonist has juvenile arthritis, and her hands fingers have swollen joints. She comments on this a fair amount
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Does someone wet/soil themselves?
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Discussion of this happening in the past when the protagonist’s chronic pain stopped her from getting to the bathroom in time
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Oliver had childhood cancer that is in remission during the events of the book. We encounter a tertiary character with cancer
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