About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the bittersweet transitions of late middle school, especially if they are navigating a first crush or the declining health of a grandparent. It is a vital resource for children processing the realization that growing up often means leaving behind comfortable certainties. Ellie Cowan is an eighth grader who wants to freeze time. Between her changing feelings for her best friend Bert and her grandfather's health crisis, Ellie must learn how to navigate the complex emotions of love and loss. While she moves through the world in a wheelchair, her story focuses on her universal experiences with identity and family. It is a tender, realistic portrayal of a young girl finding her footing when everything feels like it is shifting. This book is a beautiful tool for normalizing the anxiety of big life changes and the grief of saying goodbye.
