Growin'

A parent would reach for this book when their child is experiencing the heavy, isolating fog of grief after the loss of a loved one, or when a creative child feels their unique 'voice' has been silenced by tragedy. It is a tender story about Yolanda, nicknamed Pump, whose world revolves around the poetry she shared with her father. When he passes away, her words disappear too, until she forms an unlikely bond with a boy named Jim Jim. Together, they navigate the complexities of their neighborhood and the healing power of shared art. This short chapter book is ideal for ages 8 to 12. It moves beyond the immediate shock of death to explore the long term process of 'growing' through pain. Parents will appreciate the authentic depiction of a Black urban community and the way the story validates a child's need for creative expression as a tool for emotional survival. It is a hopeful choice for encouraging resilience and showing how new friendships can help us rediscover the parts of ourselves we thought were lost forever.