Challenger Deep

Shusterman, N., & Shusterman, B. (2015). Challenger Deep. New York, NY: HarperTeen. ISBN:0061134147 Plot Summary Challenger Deep is about a boy named Caden Bosch that is living in two worlds. Caden suffers from schizophrenia which causes mood swings and disturbing  hallucinations. As a result of his abnormal behavior, Caden’s parents decide to send him off to a mental institution. While there, he is able to get the medicine and therapy he needs, but will it stop him from going to his other world. A crazy world where Caden is on a search to find “Challenger Deep”. Critical Analysis The author added his own real-world experience in this book because his son suffers from schizophrenia. The illustration that was drawn by the author’s son, allows readers to envision what is going on in Cayden’s mind. While reading this book, the point of view changes as the main character battles with his internal illness.Many readers will find this book a little challenging to read at the beginning, but as they continue to read, the puzzle pieces begin to connect. In the end,  readers will finally understand why the book was written this way. Some readers will relate to the overall theme of Social & family issues, truth V.S. reality, and mental illness. Review Excerpts It's a powerful collaboration, and crucial to the novel's credibility. As Caden says, "There is no such thing as a 'correct' diagnosis," and though his story doesn't necessarily represent a "typical" experience of mental illness, it turns symptoms into lived reality in ways readers won't easily forget. --Publishers Weekly Teens, especially fans of the author's other novels, will enjoy this book. VERDICT This affecting deep dive into the mind of a schizophrenic will captivate readers, engender empathy for those with mental illnesses, and offer much fodder for discussion. --School Library Journal Connections Interview with the author and his son https://youtu.be/etTQujVv37o Awards & Honors National Book Award Winner National Book Award Finalist 2017 James Cook Book Award Winner Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators 2016 More Books by this author