About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is navigating the complex feelings of being left out of a group activity or is preparing for a first major trip away from home. While the story follows a middle school class trip to Hawaii, the core emotional resonance lies in how the friends manage the physical distance between those who went and the one who stayed behind. Through various subplots, the story explores themes of empathy, loyalty, and facing unexpected fears. It is an excellent choice for 8 to 12-year-olds who are beginning to balance their personal desires with their responsibilities to their friend group. It normalizes the 'fear of missing out' while providing a healthy model for how true friends can bridge that gap through intentional inclusion and communication.
