This program has been canceled. We apologize for the inconvenience and hope to see you at another WHC event soon!

Being a teenager is difficult. Bodies and brains are developing, and what was familiar and comfortable suddenly feels alien. Author Alyson Gerber understands this. Her own scoliosis, undiagnosed ADHD, and disordered eating made her feel like she had no value. In pain, physically and emotionally, she began writing as part of therapy and now has three critically acclaimed novels – Braced, Focused, and the recently released Taking Up Space. Each is realistic, relatable, and helps kids feel that they matter and are not alone.

Gerber is no stranger to Washington Hebrew’s teens: she has come to our Religious School to talk about her first two books, Braced and Focused and ran a virtual writing workshop during the first summer of the pandemic. We are delighted to welcome Alyson Gerber back to WHC — this time to speak with parents. She will join us on Sunday, December 5 at 9:30 am on Zoom.

“There are times when it’s hard for kids to talk about their feelings, even when they are safe to be themselves. Even when they are truly supported,” Gerber wrote in a column for Psychology Today. “In those moments, it can help to read a book that they are reading, or are interested in, along with them. Reading together is a chance to connect about a character’s experiences and feelings. When adults read books with a young person at the center of the story, it can also remind kids that adults will listen to them and take them seriously. It shows kids they are important.” 

Click here to purchase a signed copy of Gerber’s novel Taking Up Space.

About the Author:

Alyson Gerber is the author of the critically acclaimed, own-voices novels Braced, Focused, and Taking Up Space. She has a master’s in fine arts in writing for children and lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband and daughter. 

Presented in partnership with the Jewish Book Council.

Please note that due to restrictions beyond our control, this program will not be recorded and posted on your website or YouTube page.