
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with a 'magical thinking' sense of responsibility for a parent's safety or the stability of their home. Set against the backdrop of the late 1960s, the story follows twelve year old Madeline as she navigates her parents' divorce and a sudden move. After her father survives a plane crash she believes she prevented through prayer, she becomes obsessed with finding more miracles to keep her world from falling apart. It is a deeply resonant choice for children who feel they must be 'perfect' or perform specific rituals to ensure their family's happiness. This middle grade novel offers a gentle, realistic exploration of faith, the loss of childhood innocence, and the eventual realization that we cannot control the adults around us.
Depicts the emotional strain of divorce and the fear of losing a parent in an accident.
The book handles divorce and religious faith directly. The approach to faith is nuanced, exploring how a child uses religion as a coping mechanism for trauma. The resolution is realistic rather than 'happily ever after,' focusing on Madeline's internal acceptance of change.
A thoughtful 11 year old who feels the weight of the world on their shoulders, particularly one experiencing a high-conflict divorce or a major geographical move.
Read the scenes involving Madeline's interactions with the local 'miracle worker' to prepare for discussions about the difference between faith and control. A parent might notice their child becoming overly perfectionistic or expressing guilt over things beyond their control, such as a parent's sadness or a household move.
Younger readers (9-10) will focus on the 'mystery' of the miracles and the ballet elements. Older readers (11-12) will better grasp the historical context of the 60s and the deeper psychological layers of Madeline's guilt.
Unlike many divorce books that focus on logistics, this one dives deep into the spiritual and superstitious 'deals' children make with the universe to keep their families together.
In the late 1960s, Madeline's life is upended by her parents' divorce and a move from sunny California to a rainy town. When her father survives a plane crash, Madeline is convinced her prayers were the cause. This leads to a quest for more 'miracles' to mend her broken family, involving a search for a local saint and a struggle to maintain her identity through ballet and new friendships.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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