About This Book
Reach for this book if your child is struggling with the pain of endings, whether it is a best friend moving away, the end of a school year, or a general anxiety about change. Allie is a young girl who treats every goodbye like a tragedy, collecting 'souvenirs' of people just to keep them near. Her boarding-house home is full of transient people, making her feel constantly left behind. Through her heartwarming friendship with an eccentric older woman named Ms. Lenya, Allie begins to understand that love and memories remain even when physical presence changes. It is a gentle, character-driven story that validates a child's deep sensitivity while offering a pathway toward resilience. Best for children ages 8 to 11, it provides a safe space to discuss the natural cycle of hello and goodbye.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with emotional loss and the anxiety of abandonment in a secular, realistic way. While there is no death, the weight of the goodbyes feels as heavy as grief to Allie. The resolution is hopeful and empowering.
