About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their child is beginning to ask deeper questions about family secrets, or when they are processing the long term effects of a loss that feels unfinished or unexplained. Set in 1950s Appalachia, the story follows Gypsy, a girl struggling with her father's suicide, and her cousin Woodrow, whose mother mysteriously disappeared. While the premise sounds heavy, the narrative is filled with warmth, small town charm, and the resilience of childhood friendship. This is a beautiful choice for middle grade readers (ages 9 to 13) because it validates that healing is not a linear process and that different people carry grief in different ways. It tackles difficult themes like physical appearance and social judgment with a gentle, sophisticated hand. Parents will appreciate how the book models empathy and honesty as the primary tools for emotional recovery.
