Dicey's Song

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the burden of high expectations, sibling responsibility, or the complex emotions surrounding a family member's long term illness. It is a deeply resonant choice for children who feel they must grow up too fast and are learning how to balance their duty to others with their own individual needs. Through the story of the Tillerman siblings, the book explores how a family heals after trauma and the difficult process of learning to trust an adult when you have been let down before. Set in a rural coastal town, the narrative follows thirteen year old Dicey as she transitions from being the sole protector of her siblings to a grandchild under the care of her eccentric grandmother. It touches on themes of financial hardship, mental health, and the importance of finding one's own voice through art and friendship. It is an emotionally sophisticated read that offers comfort by acknowledging that while life is often unfair, resilience and love provide a way forward.