Eggs

Reach for this book when a child is struggling with a deep sense of isolation following a major life change or loss. It is especially helpful for children who are acting out through anger or withdrawal, or for those who find it difficult to connect with traditional support systems like grandparents. This is a story about the messy, unconventional process of healing. Nine year old David is grieving his mother and feels abandoned by his traveling father, while thirteen year old Primrose is searching for a father she never knew. The novel explores how two lonely kids can provide the specific kind of understanding adults often cannot. While the themes of grief and parental absence are heavy, the story is punctuated by Spinelli's trademark quirkiness and a budding friendship that feels authentic in its volatility. It offers parents a way to discuss the 'rules' children create for themselves when their world feels out of control, ultimately showing that recovery is a journey best taken with a friend.