Sometimes
A contemporary story of a young girl whose mother suffers from hoarding disorder. Warned to “Don’t tell,” secrecy seeps into every aspect of her life. For a time, she is successful keeping this secret as she attempts to meet her challenging environment with problem-solving skills equal to her age. Eventually, overwhelmed and torn between loyalty to her mother and her own instinct for survival, she finally accepts help from someone she trusts.
“Kudos to Ms. Howeth for her prowess and simplicity in telling this tale to help others recognize the unfortunate consequences of a parent’s hoarding behavior.”
— Leading researcher, Dr. Gail Steketee, Professor and Dean Emerita, Boston University
How to Buy
SOMETIMES is available for purchase from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Joann’s thoughts about the intent behind bibliotherapy
What I respect most about bibliotherapy is its relatability. It’s the telling of a lived experience and serves an unmatchable purpose in speaking to others who share similar backgrounds and perspectives.
SOMETIMES touches on more than hoarding – it shows some of the societal ills that can be the consequences of a parent’s mental illness. Food scarcity, the development of an anxiety disorder by a susceptible child, and the easily imagined bullying experienced by any child whose personal hygiene challenges set them up for ostracism by their peers.
Enjoy a Sneak Peek!
About the Illustrator, Vicky Kuhn
Instagram: vickykyhnillustrations
Website: vickykuhn.com
Vicky Kuhn is a freelance illustrator based in Lincoln, UK. Preferring to work with traditional media, her work celebrates color and whimsy with her use of watercolors and colored pencils. A lot of her work focuses on childhood and nature; she takes great inspiration from UK holidays, the British countryside and wildlife.