The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B by Teresa Toten

Pages: 255
Intended Audience: Mature Teens
Genre: Real life / Mental health issues
Notes for Parents: Some mild language; deals with mature subject matter

The Back Cover

When Adam meets Robyn, he is drawn hopelessly, desperately to her almost before he can take a breath. From her soot-black-lashes to eyes the colour of an angry sky, she is every teenage Romeo’s dream come true. But when you’re almost fifteen and the everyday problems of dealing with divorced parents and step-siblings are complicated by the challenges of coping with obsessive-compulsive disorder, it’s hard to imagine yourself falling in love. How can you have a “normal” relationship when your life is anything but normal? How can you protect someone else when you can’t even protect yourself? And then there’s the small matter of those threatening letters Adam’s mother has started to receive…

What the cover doesn’t tell you:

This book is the winner of the 2013 Governor General Literary Award for Children’s Text and the CBC Bookie Award. It was also named one of Quill & Quire’s Best Books of 2013.

What’s good?

This is a complex and heartfelt story with great characters, a strong plot, and an even pace. Good use of imagery and dialogue punctuate a sophisticated look at OCD and other mental health issues in teens. Themes of brokenness and bravery are explored with the help of humor, mystery, and a little romance. I like the inclusion of religion as a tool, not a cure. I also love that the story didn’t end with “a cure.” Mental health is a matter of balance and balance can be lost and gained at any moment.
Best Part: Stones and Thor.

What isn’t good?

I’m not sure the characters will be relatable to the average teen, but it certainly never hurts to step into someone else’s shoes. The romance is a little weak.
Worst part: Uh, does anyone else think Sweetie needs therapy, too?

Recommendation þþþþo

Despite the complex storyline, it was a fairly easy read. The main character was likeable and sympathetic and the supporting cast was fun. The mystery of the letters kept the story moving forward nicely and the end, while not terribly surprising, was handled well. Definitely recommended.

Toten, Teresa. The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B. Toronto: Doubleday Canada, 2013.