Under Shifting Stars resonates through rhythmic verse and an intimate dual perspective that explores the raw silence of sibling grief. The story captures the private relief of discovering one’s gender identity and neurodivergence amidst family tragedy. Books in this family share an honest, messy approach to teenage identity and use poetic structures to navigate complex emotional landscapes.
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.
