Crazy

By Linda Vigen Phillips, BA ’70 (sociology)

August 28, 2024

Crazy

In 1960s Oregon, fifteen-year-old Laura just wants a quiet, regular life: drawing in her sketchbook, hanging out with her best friend, maybe going on a date with Dennis from school. But Laura has a secret—her mother is mentally ill. When Mother has a breakdown while painting, Laura’s confusion and anger start to build. What if art can’t keep her safe from becoming like her mother? What if Laura’s life will never be close to normal? Crazy follows Laura as she navigates fears about her mother’s—and her own—mental health. This new tenth-anniversary edition includes discussion questions, recommended resources for teens, and an interview with author Linda Vigen Philips.

Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2024