About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle-grade child is navigating the unspoken social contracts of school or struggling with the delayed emotional impact of a loss. Ralph Fletcher captures the unique mix of independence and anxiety that defines the pre-teen years. While the premise of a class running itself sounds like a fun adventure, the story quickly pivots into a profound exploration of grief, collective responsibility, and the power of finding one's voice. It is an ideal choice for children aged 9 to 12 who are ready to look beyond surface-level school stories to understand how people process pain differently. You might choose it to help your child see that being 'fine' is not the only way to be, and that standing up for the memory of someone else is a profound act of leadership.
