A self-help book disguised as an easy-to-read fictional story, Rona Stole My Grades: A Senior Student's Story follows Carter through a self-exploratory chat with a virus (coronavirus). Carter, a seventeen-year-old Grade 12 student at Crestview High, is annoyed by the impact 'Rona' has had on his studies and, more broadly, his life. With the closure of schools, the change to assessments, the onset of homeschooling, the cancellation of school events, and a resulting decline in his confidence level, Carter blames Rona for redirecting him towards a bleak and poor future. He talks to the virus at length about what "she" has caused during, what should otherwise be, the best year of his life.Carter faces not only the challenges brought on by Rona, but also the complexity of family life. As the eldest of three children, his conversation with the virus is interrupted by his brother wanting to play basketball, his two-year-old sister's cute antics, and his parents' hallway conversations. He is also challenged to look at his diet, sleep patterns, and his tendency to get distracted and create unnecessary 'waste'; all while considering what is going to happen to his grades.Through his humorous, and at times blunt, chat with the virus, Carter broaches many important teenage issues including self-doubt, anxiety, fear of failure, the desire to give up, the Teenage Broken Heart Process, self-talk and the benefits of spending time as a family. As the conversation progresses, the reader witnesses Carter evolve from a place of anger to a place of self-awareness and confidence. He establishes multiple strategies to deal with current and future situations by analyzing his past mistakes and challenges. He discovers that all is not lost and that he could emerge from this unpredictable mess a much stronger and capable student. He even learns that the current setback may be the trigger for a higher version of himself and one who could achieve even better grades than before.This short book (82 pages) is dedicated to all senior year students; and parents, caregivers, and teachers of senior year students; concerned about what this unusual school year will mean for them. It is designed to be read in no more than two hours, however, its impact is intended to last a lifetime. The messages contained within the story draw on the author's own educational experience as well as her twenty years of training, coaching, and helping people find simple solutions to complex problems."If I can help just one student face this year with greater levels of confidence and resilience, then all the very late nights perfecting this short book will be more than worth it. And if reading this book enhances a few grade scores along the way, well wouldn't that be an added thrill. This is the sort of book I wish someone had given me when I was 17." - Chandra Clements (author)An easy read. A valuable read. A must-read.
