About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is grappling with overwhelming guilt, complicated grief, or deep questions about their place in the world. This verse novel follows Zane, a boy who feels responsible for his grandfather's death and embarks on a desperate journey to his mother's grave. Along the way, he encounters mystical figures and ancestors who help him process his pain and rediscover the will to live. While the premise addresses heavy themes of suicide and shame, it ultimately provides a path toward forgiveness and self-acceptance. It is most appropriate for high school students due to its mature subject matter and lyrical, often abstract style. Parents will appreciate how it handles the weight of mental health struggles while grounding the character in a rich sense of history and heritage.
