About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle schooler is navigating a major life transition, particularly a parent's illness or the grief of losing a loved one. Set in 2002, this graphic memoir follows 14-year-old Alyssa as she tackles the double challenge of starting a new high school and processing her father's declining health. While the subject matter is deeply emotional, the story uses the physical act of running to model healthy coping mechanisms and resilience. It is an excellent choice for children ages 10 to 14 who need to see their own complex feelings of loneliness and anxiety reflected in a realistic, supportive narrative. Parents will appreciate how it balances the weight of grief with the hope found in new friendships and personal growth.
