Today in the ArtZany Radio studio Paula Granquist welcomes author and teacher Mary Bleckwehl to discuss her new middle grade novel The Worry Knot: Untangling Middle School Life.
The Worry Knot: Untangling Middle School Life
Rourke is hoping for a perfect seventh grade year but he’s a boy who worries—a lot. It affects his friendships, his sleep, and his stomach. In a story of compassion and unexpected discoveries, Rourke’s worries ease and he realizes no one’s life is perfect—just different.
marybleckwehl.com
Mary Bleckwehl is also the author of three picture books Henry, You’re Late Again and Henry, You’re Hungry Again. and Claire’s Hair: A Tale of Hair, Heart, and Humor. Using years of teaching experiences and stories from children, Mary has created touching tales that will resonate with every child from 3 to 93. Together with her husband, Mary has raised a daughter and two sons and now has two grandchildren, and she lives in Northfield, Minnesota. She has been a teacher, an advocate of different abilities, and juggles her love of writing with life’s many joys.
Mary Bleckwehl will celebrate the publication of her new book, The Worry Knot: Untangling Middle School Life at Content Bookstore in downtown Northfield.
Content Bookstore
314 Division Street, downtown Northifeld, MN
Thursday, March 3, 2022 from 7:00pm – 8:30pm
contentbookstore.com
Content is delighted to host local author Mary Bleckwehl as she returns to read from her new middle-grade novel, The Worry Knot. This event will also be live streamed via Facebook live from the @ContentBookstore Facebook page beginning at 7 pm CST.
The Worry Knot: Untangling Middle School Life
Rourke is hoping for a perfect seventh grade year. Or at least one where his gut isn’t twisted in worry. But with crazy neighbors, a mysterious girl he has a crush on, and an unpredictable brother, what’s the chance of that? Especially when tragedy strikes.
“A middle-grade novel that focuses on the lives of a neurotypical middle schooler, his neurodiverse brother, and their classmates.
Rourke, the narrator, is starting seventh grade and feeling apprehensive about again being in the same school as his brother, Carson. Carson has autism, is fixated on stickers and keys, and is prone to seizures and unsocial behavior; as such, he’ll likely need assistance from others for the rest of his life. His condition makes him a target for bullies and draws heavily on family resources—particularly his and Rourke’s parents’ attention. Rourke has other concerns in his life, though, including a fascination with a new girl in school named Grace who clearly has secrets; she has strange bruises and scars, a stash of food in her locker, and impressive archery skills. Rourke also has an imaginary friend, Sam, who pops up whenever the boy is in trouble. The story notes some of the traits of Carson’s autism, including his need to focus on one task at a time and his struggles with reading body language and maintaining eye contact…A kind and realistic depiction of living with autism that will educate and engage young readers.” – Kirkus Reviews
Other Events
Deep Valley Book Festival-Cabin Fever Edition (virtual) – online March 5, 2022, All Day
Young Writer Conference, Bethel College – Mankato MN March 9, 2022, All Day
PEO Author Journey Presentation – Northfield MN April 5, 2022, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Young Author Young Artist Conference – Rochester MN May 17, 2022 – May 19, 2022, All Day
