About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is processing a major family disruption, such as a divorce or the lingering shadow of grief. Kevin Henkes masterfully captures the quiet, often messy feelings of two boys who meet at a lakeside retreat during a summer of transition. One boy is reeling from his parents' recent separation, while the other is haunted by the accidental death of his brother years prior. It is a story about the complicated nature of 'moving on' and how new friendships can provide a safe harbor during emotional storms. Parents will appreciate the book's gentle pacing and its refusal to offer easy, Hallmark-style fixes. Instead, it validates that healing takes time and that feeling angry or protective of one's old life is a normal part of growing up. Perfect for sensitive middle-grade readers who prefer internal, character-driven stories over high-octane action.
