
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the heavy weight of family grief or is struggling to find where they fit within their own skin. In this dual-narrative novel in verse, twins Clare and Audrey navigate a world that has been irrevocably changed by the sudden death of their older brother, Adam. As the silence in their home grows, each twin embarks on a private journey of self-discovery: Clare begins to question their gender identity and explore a nonbinary path, while Audrey works to understand her neurodivergence in a high-pressure school environment. This is a profound, secular exploration of identity and healing for adolescents aged 12 and up. It provides a mirror for those who feel different and a window for parents looking to understand the complex intersection of grief, neurodiversity, and gender. You might choose this book to open a dialogue about the fact that it is okay to change and grow, even when the world feels like it is falling apart.
Depicts parental depression, grief-induced isolation, and intense emotional struggle.
Death of a sibling, intense grief, parental emotional withdrawal, and depictions of sensory overload/meltdowns.
A teenager who feels like they are disappearing in the wake of a family tragedy, or a neurodivergent reader who is tired of trying to mask their true self to fit in at school.
Parents should be prepared to discuss the different ways people process loss. The book can be read cold, but it may be helpful to preview the scenes where the mother's grief leads to emotional neglect of the twins. A child may reach for this book when they feel their parents are too consumed by their own problems to notice the child's emotional needs or mental health struggles.
Younger teens (12-14) will likely focus on the school dynamics and the relatability of feeling misunderstood by adults. Older readers will better appreciate the nuances of the verse.
This novel is unique for its dual-perspective verse structure that highlights how two people can experience the exact same tragedy in completely different, yet equally valid, ways. It brilliantly weaves a narrative about grief, family dynamics, and self-discovery. """
Following the sudden death of their older brother Adam, fraternal twins Clare and Audrey navigate their freshman year of high school while their family unit begins to fracture under the weight of grief. The story is told in alternating verse. Audrey struggles with the social and sensory demands of a new school while processing her neurodivergence (specifically autism). Clare explores a new relationship while grappling with grief and discovering herself.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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