About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their child is navigating the heavy transition of losing a parent or searching for a sense of belonging after a major move. It is a perfect fit for the middle-grade reader who feels like an outsider and finds solace in music, nature, or unconventional friendships. The story follows thirteen-year-old Opal, who moves to her uncle's farm after her mother's death and discovers a colony of music-loving bats. While the book begins with profound grief, it quickly transforms into a high-energy adventure about environmental activism and finding your chosen family. Ernest Cline balances the weight of loss with a tall-tale whimsicality that keeps the tone hopeful and engaging. It is an excellent choice for normalizing feelings of loneliness while empowering children to use their voices for change.
