The Overthinkers' Club: Happy List

What do our readers think of The Overthinkers' Club: Happy List? (Generated from the text of reviews of the book)

Children find Birdie funny, relatable and comforting, especially when she worries about friendships, growing up and anxiety. Some children feel the story takes a little while to get going, but they still enjoy the humour, illustrations and realistic characters.

What does the Pageticker team say about The Overthinkers' Club: Happy List?

We think this is a warm, witty and wonderfully honest portrait of tween life, with Birdie's spiralling thoughts brought vividly to life through diary entries and doodles. Nat Luurtsema balances friendship dramas, family changes, crushes and anxiety with plenty of laughs, while treating difficult feelings with real care. A strong choice for children aged 9+, though adults may want to know that grief and pet loss feature too.

Genres

What is The Overthinkers' Club: Happy List about?

Birdie, a 12-year-old overthinker, faces numerous challenges: her best friend Chloe seeks new friendships, she's approaching her teenage years without owning a bra, and a classmate might have a crush on her. To manage her anxieties, Birdie creates a 'Happy List' to navigate the awkward and emotional hurdles of tween life, aiming to transform her worries into happiness. However, implementing her plan proves more complicated than anticipated.

About the author

Nat Luurtsema is a British author and comedian who loves making people laugh. She wrote the popular book 'Girl Out of Water', which is full of fun and friendship. Nat enjoys telling stories about adventure and trying new things, and she hopes to inspire young readers to be brave and follow their dreams.

Discussion ideas around The Overthinkers' Club: Happy List

The Happy List: Which ideas on Birdie and Chloe's Happy List seem genuinely helpful, and which might be harder to put into practice?

Friendship Changes: Why does Chloe wanting new friends feel so difficult for Birdie, and how can friends grow without growing apart?

Overthinking: How does Birdie's imagination make her worries bigger, and what might help someone pause before jumping to the worst conclusion?

Growing Up: What does the book suggest about the awkward stage between childhood and being a teenager?

Family and Change: How do the changes in Birdie's family affect her, and what can families do to help someone feel more settled?