Chloe Shantz-Hilkes is a writer and a producer of radio interviews and soundscapes for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. She lives in Toronto.
Decode is a global strategic consultancy firm that helps clients "decode" what young people think, feel, want, need, believe in, and aspire to.
Robert Munsch is the author of The Paper Bag Princess and is keenly concerned with addiction issues.
Living with an addicted family member has to be difficult, and for those young adults facing the challenge, this is a book which will truly hit home. (Joanna Peters Canadian Materials 2013-06-07)
The accounts are varied and honest enough that readers with addiction in their own families will likely find plenty to relate to. (Kirkus Reviews 2013-06-15)
In this honest and insightful book, ten different individuals share their personal stories of living with a parent or sibling with an addiction. (Barbara A. Ward Reading Today Online 2013-06-03)
Comprised of ten short reflections, it puts a real face on what addictions do to those around them. It is a powerful and moving read. (Michael Rogowski Resource Links)
Ten teens share how they've been affected by family members with food, drug, work, alcohol or gambling addictions. It's a candid, raw read, but those in similar situations will see they are not alone, that help is available and they are not to blame. Guelph children's author Robert Munsch wrote the book's introduction, describing how he fell into the grip of multiple addictions and how he and his family were affected. (Brenda Hoerle Waterloo Region Record 2013-06-08)
The honesty of these stories is a testament to the strength of these children, and the information resources provided make this book a worthwhile read for any teenager living with family members with addiction. (Great Unread 2013-08-24)
Hooked deals with teens who have a family member with an addiction. Each of the first ten chapters consists of a real teen's story told in the first person about what it was like to live with an addict and how they coped. Most of the stories involve parents, but one is about a sibling... The last two chapters are comprised of a Common Questions section where a professor of social work answers questions teens have about addiction, and an Advice and Help section which lists resources teens can access in both Canada and the United States if they need help. The first person accounts in this book are very powerful.... Any teen going through a similar situation when reading this will be comforted to find that they are not alone... This is a solid resource for teens dealing with addiction. Recommended. (Arwen Rudolph is the Rural Branch Supervisor, Pall Canadian Children's Book News 2013-12-01)
Readers will speed through these stories about growing up with a family member under the influence of an addiction. Searingly honest tales, informed by a survivor's perspective, are related about brothers, mothers, and fathers struggling with addictions to gambling, alcohol, and crack. A "How I Coped" section in each story is invaluable, as are the appended lists of resources and a FAQ. (Paula Willey School Library Journal 2014-09-09)