The Worry Knot by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Erica Shoebridge

The Worry Knot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an engaging, realistic, and well-written novel. When the novel opens, Rourke is in Grade 7, starting middle school, and is hoping for a fun year with friends, enjoying sports, and maybe making some new friends. His older brother Carson has autism and his parents have decided to reintegrate him into public school. And not just any school – Rourke’s school. Carson struggles a bit to fit in, and unfortunately causes more than one incident that embarrasses Rourke. Rourke loves his brother, but is sometimes caught between defending him and making the friendships he hopes to have. He feels a sense of responsibility for Carson, and so he worries a lot about how to best protect him.

I thought this book tackled a really interesting theme. Though Rourke is only 13, he spends a lot of time worrying about his vulnerable brother, while also having all the same challenges that middle schoolers face. He tries hard to make the best decisions for both of them, and his anxiety over Carson bleeds into all areas of his life. Learning how to manage competing demands with grace and loyalty is lesson that is universal. The story is nuanced and realistic, and very well thought out.

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