
Reach for this book when your child is navigating the complex emotions of a blended family, or if they are struggling with the heavy responsibility of helping a sibling with high support needs. This story follows twelve-year-old Lily as she balances the grief of losing her mother with the intense pressure of caring for her autistic brother, Adam. When a dolphin enters their lives, Lily must navigate a difficult moral choice between her family's desires and what is truly right for a wild animal. It is a poignant, realistic look at the internal lives of 'glass children' those who often feel invisible while supporting their neurodivergent siblings. Best for ages 9 to 13, this book validates feelings of anger and frustration while emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and seeking professional support.
Scenes involving a dolphin's health crisis and potential rescue/release risks.
Deals with the death of a mother and the daily struggles of a family in crisis.
The book realistically portrays the challenges of living with autism, including sensory meltdowns, communication difficulties, and the impact on family members. It also deals with grief and animal rights. The depiction of autism is non-metaphorical, showing the sensory meltdowns and the physical toll on caregivers. The resolution is bittersweet and realistic: there are no 'miracle cures,' and family dynamics remain a work in progress.
A middle-schooler who feels 'older than their years' due to family responsibilities. It is particularly resonant for siblings of children with special needs who may feel their own needs are secondary.
Parents may want to be prepared to discuss Adam's sensory sensitivities and communication differences, as the book portrays these aspects of autism realistically. Read the scenes involving the dolphin's health and captivity to prepare for questions about animal ethics. A parent might see their child withdrawing or expressing deep resentment about family chores or sibling care, or perhaps a child is questioning the ethics of animal attractions like SeaWorld.
Younger readers will focus on the bond between the boy and the dolphin. Older readers will pick up on the nuanced conflict between Lily and her stepfather and the themes of emotional neglect.
Unlike many 'animal bond' stories, this book rejects the trope that animals can magically cure human disabilities, instead focusing on the ethical responsibility humans have toward animals. """
Twelve-year-old Lily lives in Miami with her stepfather, Don, and her half-brother, Adam, who is severely autistic. Since her mother's death, Lily has become Adam's primary caregiver, a role that Don encourages because he is in denial about the level of professional help Adam needs. When Adam shows a unique breakthrough while interacting with Nori, a young dolphin with cancer at a local facility, Don becomes obsessed with 'dolphin therapy.' Lily, however, begins to see the cruelty of captivity and must decide whether to support the therapy that helps her brother or fight for the dolphin's right to be free.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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