Scoliosis is about two times more common in girls than boys and symptoms usually appear between the ages of 9 to 15. Because of this, there have been a slate of books published aimed at young girls dealing with a fresh diagnosis of Scoliosis.
In addition to books, online groups exist as well — primarily Curvy Girls Scoliosis — for young women seeking support as they journey through this condition. We put together a list of #ScoliosisWarrior accounts to follow on Instagram and some important facts to know about Scoliosis, as well.
There’s no reason not to scoop up all the support, education, and information you can when facing a spine health issue like Scoliosis. Check out some of these books that might be a good fit for you!
5 Books for Scoliosis Awareness Month
Rachel Brooks is excited for the new school year. She’s finally earned a place as a forward on her soccer team. Her best friends make everything fun. And she really likes Tate, and she’s pretty sure he likes her back. After one last appointment with her scoliosis doctor, this will be her best year yet.
Then the doctor delivers some terrible news: The sideways curve in Rachel’s spine has gotten worse, and she needs to wear a back brace 23 hours a day. The brace wraps her in hard plastic from shoulder blades to hips. It changes how her clothes fit, how she kicks a ball, and how everyone sees her — even her friends and Tate. But as Rachel confronts all the challenges the brace presents, the biggest change of all may lie in how she sees herself.
Scoliosis twists Deenie’s plans for seventh grade in this classic Judy Blume novel with a fresh new look.
Deenie’s mother wants her to be a model, with her face on magazine covers—maybe even in the movies—but Deenie wants to spend Saturdays with her friends Janet and Midge, tracking Harvey Grabowsky, the captain of the football team, around Woolworth’s. She wants to be a cheerleader, too, and go to the seventh-grade mixer to hear Buddy Brader play his drums.
Instead, Deenie is diagnosed with scoliosis. And that means body stockings to squeeze into, a roomful of strangers to face, and a terrifying brace that she’ll need to wear for years that goes from her neck to her hips. Suddenly Deenie has to cope with a kind of specialness that’s frightening—and might be hers forever.
3. When Life Throws You a Curve: One Girl’s Triumph Over Scoliosis by Elizabeth Golden
When Elizabeth Golden, a typical 13-year-old student who enjoyed hanging out with friends, playing sports, and laughing out loud was diagnosed with Scoliosis and faced major surgery, she was understandably apprehensive about her future.
There was one thing, however, that Elizabeth was quite sure of — that there would always be others facing similar challenges, and they could benefit by knowing she shared their pain, fear, uncertainty, joy, and triumphs. Out of her journal was born this book.
4. Abby’s Twin (The Babysitters Club) by Ann M. Martin
Trying to cheer up her twin Anna, who has been diagnosed with scoliosis, Abby fears that the condition is driving them apart when Anna seems to not want Abby’s help and begins to do things on her own.
If you know anything about the “Babysitters Club” series, you know that Ann M. Martin does a fantastic job addressing all kinds of issues teens face, in a way that truly speaks to them. This particular book is just one of many that highlights specific issues young readers might encounter.
For a younger girl just diagnosed with Scoliosis, this book is a great resource to help her feel she is not alone.
5. SPINES: The Art of Scoliosis by Sydnee Lubar (Our 2018 “Young Spinal Champion” of the Year)
SPINES highlights the beauty of scoliosis and the importance of bringing awareness to the condition. Twenty-eight girls and women were photographed to capture the range of ages that scoliosis affects, as well as the different treatment methods available, including bracing, surgery, and physical therapy.
The focus is to share the journeys of each unique individual and to encourage self-confidence and discipline. After wearing a brace for several years, 17 year old photographer, Sydnee Lubar hopes to encourage young girls to embrace their scoliosis and to realize the strength they develop through their experience.
*Book descriptions from Amazon.
#ScoliosisWarrior and Professional Ballerina Paige Fraser Interview
Grab these books and don’t miss our interview with professional Ballerina Paige Fraser, who has been dancing with Scoliosis since the age of 12!
