Right There With You

Young Adult Fiction / Contemporary YA / Mental Health Fiction Ro, a young Black teen boy raised in 2020s Philadelphia, first experiences the effects of anxiety at the age of eight. As he grows older, everything triggers his anxiety-school, friends, pressure-until one day he passes out in front of his parents. Doctors give him pills, but the feeling ("pinball in his stomach") won't stop. He's not alone in his suffering, but he feels alone. Then comes a magical encounter that changes everything. Ro is forced to confront his fear, find real connection, and begin to understand that he's not alone. The story is a heartwarming tale about connection, community, and being present for those who matter most-a story about the power of showing up when it counts. If you like YA books that blend real mental health struggles with a touch of magic like (Chaos Theory, Dear Martin, The Hate You Give), you'll love Right There With You.