About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle-schooler is struggling with a sense of 'lost self' due to sadness, depression, or the heavy transitions of puberty. It is an essential choice for children who feel frustrated that they cannot simply snap back to the way they used to be. The story follows Pluto, a thirteen-year-old girl who loves space and her seaside home, as she navigates a recent clinical depression diagnosis and a difficult 'check-list' she creates to try and fix herself. It masterfully explores the intersection of mental health and identity without being clinical or scary. Parents will appreciate the nuanced portrayal of how depression affects friendships and family dynamics, providing a safe bridge to discuss therapy, medication, and the idea that healing is a journey of growth rather than a return to a former state. Best suited for ages 9 to 13.
