Iveliz Explains It All

Iveliz experiences growth with Dr. Turnip in the previous section, but her development stops and goes in a harmful direction when Mimi throws out her medicine. Iveliz kicks over the trash, and Mami stands in the way between her and Mimi, suggesting that Iveliz might have tried to physically hurt Mimi. Instead, she locks herself in the bathroom and considers harming herself. In the bathroom, Iveliz thinks of Dr. Turnip. This moment underscores the fragile nature of her progress and the importance of stability in her treatment plan. The removal of her medication, a key element of her care, disrupts her fragile sense of control, amplifying her distress and triggering a spiral into self-harm and highlighting The Complexities of Mental Health Conditions. At the hospital, she sees Dr. Turnip and speaks openly with him. His presence restarts her development and repositions her on a positive path. Dr. Turnip tells her that she needs “to start talking to / ~everyone~ / family included” (229). As Iveliz follows his advice, she finds a way to effectively confront and manage her PTSD and depression.

The title of the book links to the poem “Iveliz Explains It All” (238). The poem is a list of all the people Iveliz needs to talk to. The irony is that Iveliz isn’t explaining “it all.” She’s not speaking to her friends, family, and teachers because she has the answers. She’s talking to them because she needs their help, and she wants them to understand what she’s experiencing. The shift from isolation to communication is a crucial turning point in Iveliz’s healing journey. It highlights her realization that explaining her struggles is not about providing neat solutions but about seeking connection and support.  After Iveliz speaks to Akiko, Akiko says, “[Y]ou should have said something sooner.” The response rankles Iveliz, who thinks, “[I]t’s not my job to teach anybody” (251). One poem later, Iveliz realizes that many people “don’t know what they don’t know, / until someone is brave enough / to open their mouth” (252). Iveliz doesn’t push Akiko away again. She discovers that teaching someone isn’t a burden but part of a relationship. This moment reflects Iveliz’s growing emotional maturity as she begins to understand the value of vulnerability, the mutual exchange of knowledge and empathy, and The Importance of Maintaining Balanced Relationships. 

The book doesn’t have a categorical happy ending. Iveliz says, “[I]t’s not all perfect, / and I’m not suddenly the happiest girl on the block” (262). Nevertheless, she admits that she’s improved, and her development relates to the intersection of the three key themes. The realistic portrayal of Iveliz’s journey acknowledges the ongoing nature of mental health conditions. It avoids a simplistic resolution, instead presenting healing as a process with ups and downs. As Iveliz details her mental health condition for Akiko and Amir, their relationships are no longer defined by one-sidedness. They’re balanced, so Iveliz, after minimizing Amir’s little brother, celebrates his recovery. This balance signifies a shift from self-centered survival mode to a more reciprocal, empathetic way of engaging with others. As for Misunderstandings Between Adults and Young People—the binary collapses. Iveliz showcases her faith in Dr. Turnip by calling him by his real name, Dr. Alex. Mami takes off work to spend the weekend with Iveliz, and they bond over a Netflix show. Reinforcing Mami’s support for Iveliz, Mami begins going with Iveliz to the school counselor so that Iveliz feels less like a target. By making photo albums with Mami for Mimi, Iveliz indicates she can forgive Mimi for throwing out her medication. Thus, as the story concludes, Iveliz and the main adult characters are on the same side. This resolution suggests that bridging the gap between youth and adults requires empathy, open dialogue, and a willingness to move past misunderstandings.

The symbolism behind the journal alters. The journal remains a safe audience, yet Iveliz realizes the security of the journal limits her. She can tell it anything because it won’t talk back. What she needs is relationships with people who can maintain a dialogue and give her affection. Iveliz writes,

but now I only talk through my pen,

and a pen can’t hold you

when you cry,

it can’t love you

until you’re fine (232).

This realization is pivotal, as it marks Iveliz’s transition from internal reflection to external engagement. The journal, once a lifeline, now represents the limitations of solitary coping mechanisms. Feeling surer of herself, Iveliz outgrows the journal. She can talk to people and interact with the world outside of her journal. She’s prepared to use her voice to create supportive human relationships. This final shift signifies a newfound confidence in her ability to express her needs and connect with others, indicating a hopeful but realistic path forward in her journey toward healing.