About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their child is experiencing the raw, lingering ache of losing a father and needs to see their own complex emotions mirrored in a relatable peer. This moving story follows thirteen-year-old Sierra as she navigates the first year following her father's sudden death from a heart attack. Through a series of poignant memories and her unique connection to history, Sierra processes the heavy weight of grief while trying to maintain her bonds with her mother and younger brother. Judith Caseley captures the specific nuances of a Jewish family in mourning, blending cultural traditions with the universal experience of loss. While the subject matter is inherently sad, the book is deeply grounded in the love of a family trying to move forward. It is highly appropriate for middle schoolers, offering a realistic but ultimately hopeful roadmap for how one honors a loved one's legacy while finding the strength to keep living.
