Eli Over Easy

A parent would reach for this book when their child is processing the loss of a parent or loved one, especially if that loss feels recent or difficult to talk about. It is a gentle, contemporary story about Eli, a middle-schooler navigating life after his mother's death from COVID-19. Through the discovery of his mother's secret cooking videos, Eli finds a tangible way to connect with her memory while forging his own path. This story is deeply grounded in the 8 to 12 age experience, focusing on the awkwardness of middle school and the way grief can make a child feel isolated from their peers. It is an excellent choice for families looking to normalize the 'messiness' of grief and show that moving forward doesn't mean forgetting. Parents will appreciate how the book uses a hobby like cooking to provide a healthy outlet for complex emotions.