
A parent should reach for this book when their child is struggling to cope with a father figure who is physically present but emotionally or mentally unreachable, such as during a coma or sudden severe illness. The story follows young Ebon, who discovers that while his father is unconscious in the hospital, his spirit is very much active and seeking a way to connect. It offers a gentle, slightly mystical lens through which children can process the heavy reality of a parent's medical crisis. This book is particularly helpful for children aged 8 to 12 who feel isolated by their grief. By blending realistic fiction with a touch of the supernatural, A. LaFaye creates a safe space for kids to explore complex feelings of fear and hope. It provides a unique bridge for families to discuss the 'in-between' state of a loved one's illness and helps normalize the confusing mix of emotions that come with hospital visits and family changes.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewDepictions of a 'spirit' or ghost might be unsettling for very sensitive children.
The book deals directly with parental illness and the possibility of death. The approach is metaphorical and spiritual rather than strictly religious or clinical. It explores the 'liminal space' of a coma. The resolution is grounded and hopeful but focuses more on emotional acceptance than a miraculous medical cure.
A middle-grade reader who is experiencing the 'ambiguous loss' of a parent who is alive but incapacitated. It is perfect for a child who prefers stories with a touch of magic to help digest difficult real-world situations.
Parents should be aware of scenes describing the father's physical state in the hospital. Read the final chapters first to ensure the ending aligns with your family's current situation regarding recovery or loss. A parent might choose this after hearing their child say, 'I feel like Dad is already gone,' or if the child is afraid to visit the hospital because the parent 'doesn't look like themselves.'
Younger readers (8-9) will focus on the 'ghost' element and the mystery of the spirit. Older readers (11-12) will better grasp the metaphors for grief and the emotional weight of Ebon's responsibility.
Unlike many books that deal with death as a finished event, this book explores the terrifying and confusing middle ground of a coma, using a supernatural element to make the medical tragedy approachable.
After Ebon's father falls into a coma following a sudden accident, Ebon begins to see his father's spirit wandering. While the rest of the family mourns and waits at the hospital, Ebon must navigate this ghostly connection, attempting to help his father's spirit find peace or a way back to his body. It is a story of internal growth and the bond between father and son.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.