My Brother Is Not a Monster: A Story of Addiction and Recovery

I miss the old Joey.” Sophia’s older brother Joey has changed. Sophia is confused and angry when he begins acting differently—missing family events, staying out late, and even stealing money from her piggy bank. And Sophia is scared when she finds Joey passed out in his room and then witnesses a frightening scene when EMTs revive Joey who has overdosed on drugs. While her brother is in the hospital recovering, their mom explains to Sophia that Joey suffers from a disease called addiction that can sometimes make people behave unlike themselves. It is not easy, but Joey gets better with treatment, and soon Sophia starts to see the old Joey again.

This is a tenderly-told story about an issue facing countless families today and can serve as a tool to help navigate this difficult topic.

This book is for children and their parents/caregivers, as well as any adult working to support a young person with a family member dealing with substance use disorder.

The book includes tips for parents/caregivers and children, a glossary, and resources. A workbook at the end helps children explore their thoughts and feelings about the subject and can serve as a way for their parents, caregivers, and counselors to begin having these tough conversations with young people.

Lee S. Varon was born in Chicago and moved to Boston to attend college. She is a clinical social worker and a single parent. She has had personal experience with members of her own family who have substance use disorder. She wrote My Brother is Not a Monster to give voice to the many children who love someone dealing with this disease.

Alisha Monnin grew up in the small town of Minster, Ohio, where she read anything she could get her hands on. She now lives and works in Atlanta, Georgia, where she can often be found playing with her tailless cat named Beignet, hunting for the best cup of tea in town, and waving hello to other people's dogs.