Dusty: Mad or Sad
A book about a Young Mouse and her Journey with Bipolar Disorder.
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Years later, Dusty's behavior began to change. The other mice never knew what to expect from her. She was very moody. There were times when Dusty would spend all her hard earned money she had received from delivering newspapers. She bought things she didn't need. Her room was full of books, vases, jewelry and toys. During these high moods Dusty would come up with grand ideas. She thought she could solve her friend's problems. But then there were times when Dusty would be very sad. She would cry for no reason at all. She would get so upset she couldn't do her homework or read her favorite books. There were times when she couldn't sleep and had all kinds of energy. Everyone was impressed with how much work and organizing she did around the house. She would strike up conversations with strangers on the streets and get on the phone with her friends for hours. Her family felt things were getting out of control.
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About the Book
Dusty: Mad or Sad is the story of a young gray mouse and her journey with Bipolar Disorder. Dusty is different than her family for she is gray and they are purple. Her family notices her behavior begins to change where she becomes very moody. Episodes of mania and depression are depicted in kid-friendly text and colorful illustrations for a family to read together so they can better understand the illness. This is a story of perseverance and working together when a loved one is experiencing challenges. The author relates her actual experiences to Dusty and creates a story that describes real life experiences of the cycling of moods even though it is a fictional character. After reading this book families will discover there is hope for one to live a balanced life when given the diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder.
About the Author
Angela Mae Benchley is a special education teacher with a master’s degree in Learning Disorders, facilitator of a Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), The Disability Network Board of Director, writer and illustrator. She was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder as a young adult. She has been a staunch advocate of mental health awareness for over 30 years. At the age of 12 her Home Economics teacher asked the students to write and illustrate a children’s book. Dusty, the small gray mouse was created. It is her dream that Dusty’s story will help those who live with Bipolar Disorder as well as family/friends understand this illness is manageable and that it is possible to live a balanced life. She resides in Grand Blanc, Michigan with her husband and three children.