UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A Penn State alumna used her story of suffering from anxiety and low self-esteem due to wearing a back brace for scoliosis and turned it into a self-help book.
Lisa B. Owens has written “The Silver-Horned Girl,” a book that tells the story of a girl who suddenly wakes up with a beeping silver horn growing out of her head. Her normal life is changed and she finds herself scared, left out and bullied by her peers.
Owens, who earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Penn State in 1987, said her education helped with the launch of her book. Owens was involved in volunteer work during local elections, the Penn State Dance Marathon and other communications-related organizations as a student.
“Penn State has always held a special place in my heart and I truly believe this book wouldn’t have been possible without that background and education,” said Owens.
“The book was designed as a conversation starter for those facing anxiety because 'The Silver-Horned Girl' demonstrates to tweens and teens that insecurity affects everyone," she added. "Whether they experience a visible difference or one less obvious, no one should have to suffer in silence."
As part of the book, a section has been dedicated to "Talking Points" while a "Mental Health Tool Kit" offers resources for students, families and teachers. There is also a special space to journal.
“I wrote the book for people to realize they are not alone. It happens to everyone — whether you have a back brace, suffer from anxiety, whatever the challenge — we all have something,” Owens said.
Owens will be working with school counselors, teachers and various organizations to help implement the book into their classrooms and curricula. She hopes through sharing her story and the tools included in the book, students will be provided with a safe space to discuss their feelings and thoughts while working through their personal situations without judgment.
Owens has been an associate producer at WTVR-TV in Richmond, Virginia, a special projects producer for NBC News Channel, and a consultant in a variety of areas.
She currently lives in North Carolina with her husband, Chris, and daughters, Madison and McKenna.
As Owens’ daughters moved through school, she saw the challenges related to bullying play out over the years — which again validated her work on the book. “We need to get to the root of these issues instead of saying this is how kids are,” said Owens.
The 49-page book, published by Dorrance Publishing, is available online and at bookstores.