
Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling with a sudden loss of identity or a life-altering change that has left them feeling angry and isolated. Maggie, a former star athlete, has lost her sight and her soccer career, leading her to push others away with sarcasm and rebellion. As she navigates her new reality, she encounters a young boy who is the only person she can mysteriously see, forcing her to re-engage with the world. This story offers a realistic look at grief and disability while maintaining a sharp sense of humor and a hopeful outlook. It is an excellent choice for parents looking to validate a teen's frustration while modeling the slow process of rebuilding a life after the unthinkable happens.
A sweet, age-appropriate romance develops between Maggie and a supporting character.
Exploration of grief, loss of a dream, and adjusting to sudden blindness.
It avoids the 'miracle cure' trope, focusing instead on adaptation and emotional acceptance. The resolution is realistic and hopeful rather than magical.
A high schooler who feels defined by a recent failure or physical change and uses humor or rebellion as a shield. It is perfect for the teen who hates 'inspirational' stories but needs to find a way forward.
Parents should be aware of some teenage rebellion, including skipping school to hang out at the pool hall, and mild language, such as the occasional use of "damn." The book can be read cold, but discussing the 'stages of grief' might help contextualize Maggie's initial anger. A parent might see their teen becoming increasingly cynical, withdrawing from sports or hobbies they once loved, or acting out to prove they don't need help.
Younger teens will focus on the mystery of why Maggie can see Ben and the burgeoning romance. Older teens will resonate more deeply with the loss of identity and the pressure of future expectations.
Unlike many books that focus on the tragic aspects of adapting to a major life change, this story uses a touch of magical realism and biting wit to explore the very messy, non-linear process of adjusting to a new life. ```
After losing her sight to meningitis, sixteen-year-old Maggie Sanders trades her soccer cleats for a probation officer following a destructive school prank. While navigating her 'new normal' with a heavy dose of sarcasm and anger, she discovers a strange phenomenon: she can 'see' one person, a ten-year-old boy named Ben. Through her connection with Ben and his older brother, Maggie begins to dismantle the walls she built to protect herself from her grief and the perceived pity of her former friends.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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