The School Is Lava - by Danielle Jata-Hall (Paperback)

About the Book

Liv used to be able to go to school, but now she can't. This gentle book tells the story of a girl struggling with emotionally based school avoidance. Going to school made Liv feel anxious and overwhelmed, but slowly with the help of understanding adults, she finds a new way of learning, realising school doesn't have to look the same for everyone.

Book Synopsis

Liv used to go to school every day, but now, something feels different. She feels like all the things that made her feel safe and happy going to school are beginning to unravel. Going to school now makes her feel sad, anxious and overwhelmed. Everyone seems to think that she should be able to go, but she just can't.
This is the story of Liv who feels very stuck and misunderstood, but slowly finds a new way forward with the help of people who care. This gentle story filled with hope and honesty will show you how school and learning doesn't always look the same for everyone, and that's okay.
The School is Lava is for anyone who finds going to school really difficult and needs to know they're not alone.

Review Quotes

Learning about PDA through the character Olivia's eyes is both deeply emotional and incredibly informative. Danielle takes us inside the daily experience of a PDA child with such warmth, honesty and understanding, while offering hope and empowerment to children and their families. The School Is Lava should be read by every PDA child, parent, teacher and professional and by anyone who wants to better understand the children behind the behaviour. --Lisa Galley, author of Parenting Your Autistic Child: Permission to Do It Differently

A beautifully written book from an expert in neurodiversity and child mental health. With her funny, compassionate and empathetic voice, Olivia will reach so many children and young people who are struggling with school and growing up, making them feel seen and validating their experiences. The insights in this book are invaluable to parents and education professionals, elevating the often-overlooked child's perspective.--Dr Rachel Moseley, Principal Academic in Psychology, Bournemouth University

As an autistic activist and neuro-affirming respite practitioner who works with neurodivergent young people - including those with a PDA profile - I can say with certainty that this book gets it right. Danielle Jata-Hall has written something rare: a story that tells the truth about what school avoidance actually is - not a choice, not a behaviour problem, but a completely understandable response to an environment that wasn't built for every brain. I know young people whose lives are reflected in these pages. This book could change how they understand their own story.--Alex Kronstein, Autistic Activist, Filmmaker, Producer, Entrepreneur, and Neuro-Affirming Respite Practitioner

About the Author

Danielle Jata-Hall is an Autistic/ADHD parent of three, neurodivergent children and is an award-winning blogger of the page PDA Parenting. She has worked in education supporting many children with SEND and has run a support group for other parents. She is a public speaker, advocate and an online campaigner. With the support of her MP, Danielle succeeded in tabling an early day motion to get the PDA profile more recognised. She is the author of Black Rainbow and I'm Not Upside Down, I'm Downside Up: Not A Boring Book About PDA. Danielle is also a joint researcher on PDA and parental blame.