Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things by Lenore Look
Written by: Lenore Look
Illustrated by: LeUyen Pham
Originally Published in: 2008
This early chapter book is the first book in this series. It follows the life of Alvin Ho, a Chinese-American second grader from Concord, Massachusetts who struggles with anxiety. He is scared of so many things, particularly things at school, that he rarely speaks. He loves superheros. In fact, at home, he is able to be more himself and is a very loud and energetic superhero named Firecracker Man. At home, he strives to be a gentleman like his dad, but struggles because there is a lot to remember. This book shows a bit of of Chinese language and culture. With the support of his family, Alvin overcomes most of his fears and learns to deal with his anxiety better.
This book is for students grades first through fourth, as it is an early chapter book, however it is a bit lengthier at over 150 pages. I think many students could connect to this book, as I know I did. Dealing with anxiety and fears is not something that is easy and this book is really able to detail Alvin's struggles with it. In the end, he is able to cope with his anxiety better and is able to be more himself at school. This book could definitely spike a conversation with students, where you could discuss your own students' fears, anxieties, and stressors in the classroom as you create a safe space for them. And for the students who don't have as many fears or anxieties, it can be a teaching moment as they can learn to be compassionate for those who do struggle with anxiety.
Other information:
Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things is a Fiction & Humor book.
**citation based on illustrated edition**
Look, L. & Pham, L. (2009). Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things. Yearling.
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