Book Nook: Mustaches for Maddie

I recently had a chance to review Mustaches for Maddie, a book based on the true story of Maddie, daughter of authors Shelly Brown & Chad Morris. 

Maddie is a normal preteen girl with a quirk - she loves fake mustaches. When she's diagnosed with a tumor on her pituitary gland, in addition to all the medical procedures, she also endures bullying because of the disease. But social media ends up used for good, with her parents using social media to launch a #MustachesforMaddie campaign to encourage people to wear funny mustaches and submit pictures to cheer her up.

The book is open about Maddie's experiences. Some things are fictionalized, and obviously names of people are changed. The way the book is written, it's encouraging for kids going through social issues or health issues, showing Maddie's resilience and spirit, and focus on positive relationships.

Maddie says it best herself.

I think everyone who reads this book should realize the moral of the story is …Drum roll please …To love potatoes and mustaches!Okay, probably not really. There’s more to it.I learned a lot through my friend troubles and surgeries. Like, small acts of kindness can go a long way. A really long way. And when things are rough, you can always find a way to laugh.I have tried really hard to be friends with everyone. We don’t always realize what trials other people are going through. Sometimes it takes bravery to be kind to some people. But we need to always stick up for what’s right. You can do it. Any time, anywhere, you can have compassion. Everybody needs a friend and that friend can be you. So show them that you truly care.So smile more. Be kind. Laugh more. Dream more.Thanks,  Maddie