About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their child is experiencing a loss but seems to be masking their grief with humor, sarcasm, or avoidance. It is particularly effective for middle schoolers who find traditional 'sad' books too sentimental or heavy-handed. Set in a quirky Australian coastal town, the story follows Hunter, a boy who deals with the death of his father while navigating the eccentricities of his family and their local funeral parlor business. The narrative balances the weight of mourning with the high-stakes world of competitive fishing and the awkwardness of growing up. While the backdrop of death is constant, the tone is witty and resilient, showing that it is okay to laugh even when life feels like it is falling apart. Parents will appreciate how it validates the messy, non-linear nature of healing without ever feeling like a lecture.
