Lucy in the Sky

Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the messy transitions of middle school, particularly if your family is navigating the heavy emotional weight of a loved one's illness. It is a gentle but honest companion for the pre-teen who feels like their world is shifting in ways they cannot control. The story follows Lucy, whose seventh-grade year is complicated by her grandmother's chemotherapy, her mother's absence, and the evolving dynamics of her friendships. Through the discovery of her father's Beatles records, Lucy finds a creative outlet in music that helps her process her grief and loneliness. The graphic novel format makes the emotional themes accessible without feeling overwhelming, offering a realistic look at how art and friendship can provide an anchor during times of family crisis. It is ideally suited for children aged 8 to 12 who are beginning to face more complex social and emotional realities.