Twyla loves playing field hockey. She is determined to improve her skills to impress the coach and make it to varsity next year. Unfortunately, Twyla has been feeling nauseous lately. She has even vomited several times. Maybe she's dehydrated or needs to get more sleep.
When the coach notices Twyla's performance on the field has been slipping, she threatens that Twyla won't be able to play. Twyla's friends are also noticing the physical changes like weight loss and the constant complaints about her stomach. She even vomits at a sleepover which requires a call to her father.
A trip to the ER and later to her doctor, end with Twyla being told she is constipated, but she is convinced that's not the problem. The medicine she is prescribed only increases her stomach discomfort, so she begins hiding the dose every morning, so her father doesn't know she's not taking it.
Twyla begins wondering what exactly caused the accident that killed her mother five years ago. Is it possible her mother had some illness that Twyla also has? She can't bring up the subject with her father, and her friends seem to be pulling away from her instead of being there for her. How can she find out what is wrong when no one will take her seriously?
Author Shannon Stocker's STRONGER AT THE SEAMS shows how physical illness can cause not only discomfort but also stress in family and friend relationships. We must be careful not to get caught up in our own personal issues when we should be listening to others and offering help when they need it.
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