
Reach for this book when your teenager feels like a 'square peg in a round hole' or is struggling to find their footing after a significant family change. Set in a post-World War II Swiss boarding school, the story follows Philippa Hunter, a young artist grieving her mother and feeling alienated by her father's new relationship. Through a secret friendship with a mysterious boy named Paul and the discovery of a hidden talent for ice skating, Philippa learns that being different is a strength rather than a flaw. It is a gentle, atmospheric coming-of-age story that validates the lonely experience of being the 'new kid' while offering a hopeful path toward self-confidence. The emotional depth is sophisticated yet accessible for middle schoolers and young teens, making it an excellent choice for quiet, introspective readers.
Themes of grief following the death of a mother and the displacement of war refugees.
The book deals with parental death and the trauma of war. The approach is direct but rooted in the mid-century literary tradition, focusing on the internal emotional landscape. Paul's amnesia is a result of wartime trauma. The resolution is realistic and hopeful, emphasizing healing through connection.
An artistic 12-year-old girl who feels socially awkward or 'uncool' and is looking for a story that proves her inner world is valuable.
Read cold. Parents may want to discuss the impact of WWII on families and communities, as Paul's trauma stems from this period. Be prepared to discuss the displacement and loss experienced by refugees during and after the war, as this is a central theme in Paul's story. A parent might see their child withdrawing from social groups or expressing frustration that they aren't 'good at anything' like their peers.
Younger readers (11-12) will focus on the boarding school drama and the 'secret friend' mystery. Older readers (14-16) will resonate more deeply with the romantic tension and the sophisticated themes of self-discovery and historical grief.
Unlike many modern 'outsider' stories, L'Engle focuses on the intersection of physical discipline (skating) and emotional healing, set against a beautifully rendered historical European backdrop. """
Philippa Hunter is sent to a strict Swiss boarding school by her father, who is recently remarried after the death of Philippa's mother. Feeling clumsy and misunderstood, Philippa struggles with the social hierarchy until she meets Paul, a boy living at a nearby chateau who is suffering from trauma-induced memory loss. As Philippa learns to ice skate in secret, she gains the physical and emotional confidence to stand up for herself and help Paul reclaim his past.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a review