
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with complicated grief, specifically the toxic mix of guilt and relief that can follow a difficult relationship with someone who has passed away. Virginia Hamilton explores the intense world of eleven year old Cammy, who is consumed by the fear of losing her beloved grandmother but is blindsided by the sudden accidental death of her 'perfect' cousin, Patty Ann. It is a profound exploration of how we reconcile our unkind thoughts with the finality of death. This story is best suited for middle grade readers (ages 9 to 12) who are ready for a realistic, emotionally heavy narrative. It moves beyond simple sadness to address the darker edges of loss: jealousy, the shame of surviving, and the restorative power of a supportive multigenerational family. Parents will appreciate how Hamilton honors the complexity of a child's inner life without providing easy or sugar-coated answers.
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Sign in to write a reviewDeals with elective mutism, survivor's guilt, and deep depression.
A scary scene involving a storm and rising river waters.
The book deals directly and realistically with accidental death (drowning). The approach is secular but deeply spiritual in its focus on ancestral connection and the sanctity of family bonds. The resolution is hopeful but grounded in the reality that grief is a long process.
A reflective 10 or 11 year old who feels things deeply and may be prone to 'catastrophizing' or feeling intense guilt over their private thoughts. It is perfect for a child who has lost a peer or relative with whom they had a complicated relationship.
Parents should be aware of the drowning scene, which is intense. It is helpful to read this alongside the child to discuss the concept of 'intrusive thoughts' versus 'actions.' A parent might see their child becoming withdrawn or 'numb' after a loss, or hear their child express 'it should have been me' or 'I was mean to them.'
Younger readers will focus on the scary elements of the storm and the loss; older readers will better grasp the nuance of Cammy's psychological guilt and the legacy of the grandmother.
Unlike many grief books that focus on 'saying goodbye,' this book focuses on 'forgiving yourself' for not being a perfect person before the tragedy occurred.
Cammy lives in a vibrant, close-knit African American community, deeply attached to her fragile grandmother, Gram Tut. While Cammy obsessively worries about her grandmother's health, she harbors deep resentment toward her cousin Patty Ann, who seems superior in every way. During a summer day camp outing, a sudden flooding accident leads to Patty Ann's death while she is trying to save another cousin. The second half of the book follows Cammy’s descent into elective mutism and deep depression as she grapples with the 'evil' thoughts she had about Patty Ann before the tragedy.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.