
Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling with a quiet, lingering grief or a specific fear that they are trying to manage through isolation. Wilhelmina, or Will, is a creative teen who makes elaborate shadow puppets and lamps to keep her fear of the dark at bay, a phobia rooted in the tragic loss of her parents. When a massive hurricane named Whitney threatens her town, Will is forced to step out of her internal world and rely on her community to navigate the literal and emotional darkness. It is an ideal choice for parents looking to validate the way creativity can serve as a coping mechanism while gently encouraging their child to re-engage with others. The graphic novel format makes the heavy themes of trauma and anxiety accessible and visually engaging for ages 12 and up.
Deals with the loss of parents and the resulting long-term grief.
The hurricane and the darkness cause the protagonist significant distress and panic.
The book deals with the death of parents in a secular, realistic manner. The grief is presented as a background hum that occasionally spikes into acute anxiety. The resolution is hopeful and grounded in therapeutic progress rather than a magical cure.
A creative middle or high schooler who uses art as a shield. Specifically, a child who has experienced a loss and feels like they have to be 'the strong one' or the 'busy one' to avoid their feelings.
Read cold. The graphic novel format handles the intensity well, but parents should be ready to discuss how physical symptoms (like Will's panic) are tied to emotional trauma. A parent might notice their child becoming obsessive about a hobby to the point of social withdrawal, or perhaps the child expresses an irrational fear that seems tied to a past event.
Younger teens will focus on the 'cool factor' of the lamps and the storm adventure. Older teens will resonate more deeply with the metaphors of light and shadow and the complexities of the friendships.
Unlike many grief books that focus on the immediate aftermath, this explores the 'long tail' of trauma and how it manifests as specific phobias and creative compulsions.
Will is a creative high schooler living with her aunt after the death of her parents. She manages her intense nyctophobia by building intricate lamps and shadow boxes. When Hurricane Whitney (Whit) hits their town, the power goes out, forcing Will to confront her trauma without the safety of her lights. Along with her eclectic group of friends, she learns that vulnerability and community are the keys to moving forward.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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