About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle schooler is retreating into their own world after a significant loss or family upheaval. It is an ideal choice for the child who seems to be 'stuck' in the past, finding it easier to dwell on memories than to face the difficult reality of a new living situation. The story follows thirteen-year-old Lisa, who moves in with her aunt after her parents die in a plane crash. Rather than engaging with her new life, Lisa uses her imagination and a mysterious 'imaginary' friend to mentally return to the time before the accident. This is a sensitive exploration of the 'bargaining' and 'denial' phases of grief. It offers parents a way to discuss the healthy role of imagination versus the need to eventually reconnect with the present. It is appropriate for ages 10 to 14, providing a realistic but ultimately hopeful roadmap for moving through deep sorrow.
