Reviews:

"Varon’s passion for raising awareness around substance abuse is clear and ultimately guides the story. Crafted to educate and soothe younger readers, Varon’s narrative is straightforward."

"Varon’s great care and thoroughness distinguish the end resources. She includes multiple journaling and reflection prompts for kids about emergency responses, coping methods, and self-esteem, as well as lists of organizations to help all family members involved in the recovery process. This story is best suited for younger children or those readers new to the concept of substance abuse and recovery."

"...the empathetic My Brother Is Not a Monster is an opportunity to help a highly targeted audience of readers."
-BookLife Review

“Lee S. Varon, a clinical social worker, has created a perfect book for very young people and their parents about Substance Use Disorder (SUD) with absolutely no “triggers,” which means it has no areas that would make someone want to use drugs. It would be wonderful to see these books in grade school classrooms and used by parents for young children that they suspect are at risk for using drugs. The book also has many places in the end, where one can be referred if the youngster is at risk. “My Brother Is A Monster” is the book about Substance Use Disorder that we’ve all been waiting for. It is published by Rachlee Books and the ISBN is 978-8-9851363-1-9. Available at Barnes & Noble online!”
- Marc D. Goldfinger

“I just read the book. I cried. It’s beautiful. It captures the sadness and fear of loving someone who is using and also captures the healthy memories and connection that is missed. It brings these feelings together simply and quickly and it brings hope. All my kids will be home for XMAS, I’ll make sure everyone reads it.”
-Carol S.

Children can understand SUD better than adults might think. Good storytelling can help. This beautifully illustrated children’s book is spot on: showing a family challenged by SUD but coming together to support their Loved One. Instead of magnifying fear, it teaches and sheds light. And its arrival could hardly be more timely.

The reader reviews are emphatic: “This book belongs in all school libraries.” “As my brother died of an overdose, this book has touched me and my kids.” “I am able to nurture myself as an adult after reading this book, as a child who grew up in a home where SUD was present. This book is going to save lives.”

They’re talking about My Brother Is Not a Monster, a new children’s book by Lee S. Varon, illustrated by Alisha Monnin. It tells the story of Joey, a young man with Substance Use Disorder (SUD), as witnessed by Sophia, his younger sister. Sophia loves him deeply but is worried and confused. It’s a situation, as the Allies community knows so well, affecting countless families around the country and the world.

My Brother Is Not a Monster, however, works hard to reduce the confusion. “Understanding the disease of addiction can be extremely difficult, especially for children,” notes former congresswoman and CEO of Mothers Against Prescription Drug Abuse Mary Bono. “Lee Varon’s story does a wonderful job of demystifying this difficult disease through the eyes of a child.”

-rredick from Allies in Recovery Website

This book is so imperative for young audiences. I am able to nurture myself as an adult after reading this book, as a child who grew up in a home where SUD was present. This book is going to save lives, and I can't recommend it enough - not only for children, teens, and even adults who've had someone in their life who suffers from SUD, but for those who do not. There is not enough discourse and education around SUD, and this book can truly help towards harm reduction, education, and the overall de-stigmatization of substance use. This book is a warm hug for my wounded, but healing, inner child.

-Jenna M.

This is a very special book that sensitively describes, and beautifully illustrates, how people (especially youth) become addicted and abuse themselves and their family/friends. It is a story about families, friendships, frightening life experiences, and redemption. A key point is not to blame or feel guilty but act to save someone's life.

The author provides useful resources for people dealing with addictions: helpful hints; places to go for more information and assistance; and a glossary of terms.

-Elizabeth K.

I love this book because it uses the real words like needle, heroin and narcan. It doesn’t just say he was holding something sharp, it mentions he had a needle. It doesn’t just say he was on drugs, it says he was on heroin. I read this to all of my kids ages 4,7,9 and 11 and they were all very in to this book. As my brother had died of an overdose this book has touched me and my kids had a few questions after reading the book to them as well. Well written! Thank you

- Michel M.

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