
A parent would reach for this book when their child is struggling with the emotional complexity of a parent's mental health diagnosis, specifically one that feels unpredictable or heavy like bipolar disorder. It is an essential choice for children who are taking on too much emotional labor at home and need to see that it is not their job to fix their parents. The story follows twelve year old Harbor as she navigates life between her mother's home at the Sunrise Lagoon resort and her father's house. While Harbor excels in her elite basketball league, she is secretly managing intense anxiety about her mother's mental health and the shifting dynamics of her family. This gentle, contemporary novel is highly appropriate for the 8 to 12 age range. It offers a realistic yet hopeful look at how a child can find their own identity and joy even when their family life feels uncertain. Parents will appreciate how it validates a child's worry while ultimately encouraging them to prioritize their own growth and well-being.
Depicts a parent's depressive episode and the emotional toll on the child.
The book deals directly with mental health, specifically bipolar disorder and anxiety. The approach is secular and realistic. It does not offer a magical cure for the mother's condition, but it provides a hopeful resolution where the family learns better management strategies and Harbor learns to set emotional boundaries.
A 10 to 12 year old 'helper' child who is very sensitive to the moods of the adults around them. It is perfect for a child who loves sports but is currently finding their hobbies less fun because of family stress.
Read cold, but be ready to discuss the scene where Harbor finally breaks down and expresses her fear that her mother doesn't love her as much when she's depressed. It's a heavy moment that requires parental reassurance. A parent might notice their child becoming 'too good,' quiet, or hyper-vigilant about a parent's mood. They might see their child withdrawing from a beloved sport or hobby due to the pressure of home life.
Younger readers will focus on the basketball and the sibling fun at the resort. Older readers will deeply resonate with Harbor's internal monologue regarding the 'weight' of her mother's diagnosis.
Unlike many books where the child 'saves' the parent, Melleby emphasizes that the child's only job is to be a child. It brilliantly balances the high-stakes world of competitive sports with the internal world of childhood anxiety.
Harbor is the middle child of the Bondi family, living at their family-run Florida resort, Sunrise Lagoon. As she starts playing for an elite basketball team, she spends more time at her father's house. This physical distance from her mother, who has bipolar disorder, triggers deep-seated anxiety in Harbor. She feels a self-imposed responsibility to be the 'stable' one who keeps her mother okay. The story follows her journey of realizing that she can love her family and pursue her own path simultaneously.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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