This book succeeds by balancing the heavy reality of grief with the hopeful spark of a first queer romance. Its unique list structure grounds the protagonist’s messy, honest emotions as she navigates high school social pressures and a family crisis. Books in this family share an unapologetic emotional sincerity and use unconventional formats to explore complex teenage secrets.
A parent should reach for this book when their teenager is navigating the slow and agonizing process of a loved one on life support. This poignant story follows Ellis, whose father is in a coma after a tragic accident. It captures the unique limbo of grief where a person is physically present but emotionally gone. Kekla Magoon masterfully balances the heavy reality of medical decisions with the everyday pressures of high school, friendships, and first love. Parents will appreciate the book's honest, secular approach to end-of-life care and its validation of the anger and confusion that often accompany long-term family crises. It is a deeply empathetic choice for ages 12 and up.
