About This Book
Reach for this book when your child feels defined by a physical difference or is struggling with the heavy weight of family expectations. It is a sensitive choice for middle grade readers who feel they have to hide their true selves behind a mask of 'fine' or use their imagination to escape a lonely reality. The story follows eleven year old Jonah, who navigates the world with a prominent facial birthmark and a father who has been absent for years. When his father unexpectedly returns, Jonah must balance his vivid internal world with the messy, often disappointing reality of his family life. Shreve handles themes of self consciousness and belonging with a realistic, secular touch that validates a child's right to feel frustrated. It is an excellent bridge for discussing how we see ourselves versus how the world sees us, making it a comforting read for any child who feels like an outsider.
