Author Petti Fong brings her knowledge and expertise to this in-depth exploration of being alone and understanding loneliness. This documentation of real-world events, experiences, and personal testimonies invites readers to make connections and understand that being alone doesn’t have to feel lonely. Navigating past and present historical events through the lens of loneliness also supports the Social Studies curriculum for grades 8 to 12 and Explorations in Social Studies 11 to 12.

Petti Fong explains how the negative connotation associated with being alone is a made-up social concept that came into the spotlight during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, when people were forced into isolation. This book exposes how the act of being alone can actually be a positive place that leads to wonder, creativity, and curiosity that in turn helps people make connections and brings them closer together to combat loneliness. Learning about emotional and mental well-being in this book also supports the Physical and Health Education curriculum for grades 8 to 12.

Other End Matter: Glossary, resources, teacher’s guide
Images: Colour photographs, colour illustrations
Bibliography: No
Index: Yes

Evaluator: Shannon S., School Librarian, BC Books for Schools

Petti Fong is a journalist, educator and author. She was a staff reporter at the Vancouver Sun, the Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star and CBC and now writes for The Economist. Petti teaches journalism, ethics and business communications at Kwantlen University, Langara College and the University of British Columbia. During the pandemic she created and hosted a podcast with interviews from experts around the world on the topics of isolation and loneliness. The podcast, Alone Together, has been downloaded by hundreds of thousands of listeners and heard in more than 30 countries. Petti lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Petti Fong's profile page

Jonathan Dyck is an award-winning illustrator, designer and cartoonist. Since graduating from design school, he has worked with a range of clients across various applications, from editorial illustration in magazines and books to logo design and illustrations for coffee mugs, t-shirts and posters. Jonathan lives in Winnipeg, on Treaty 1 Territory and the homeland of the Métis Nation.

Jonathan Dyck's profile page

“A thoughtful addition to the Orca Think series…Young adults will be taken along a meandering journey to understanding loneliness in their own lives.”

Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC) Canadian Children’s Book News

“Fascinating and far-reaching…By learning about success stories in the struggle to overcome the far-reaching effects of internal sadness and isolation, readers will gain valuable tools, insights, and knowledge linked to loneliness and how to copy with it.”

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)

“Fong emphasizes that even when we’re alone, we’re in it together—and we can work through it together. An excellent SEL resource.”

Booklist

“With no tropes to lean on, Fong has taken apart the topics of “alone” and “together” that preoccupied everyone during the lockdown phase of the pandemic, and created an accessible guide to individual integrity…Fong is thoughtful in the material included but lighthearted in its rendering, and young readers will find much to consider in this “Think” series entry.”

School Library Journal (SLJ)

“Alone Together is a resource not only for preteen or teen audience but also an engaging resource for any adult. Highly Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials