
Reach for this book when your child feels like they are disappearing into the background or struggling with a friend group that is moving faster than they are. It is a perfect choice for the quiet observer who needs to know that their voice matters just as much as the loudest person in the room. The story follows Ellie, a middle schooler who prefers the sidelines but suddenly gains the power to bring things back to life with a touch. As she navigates her new abilities and a changing friendship with her popular best friend, Abby, she discovers that being a hero is about more than just magic. It is about the courage to be seen and the strength to stand up for your own truth. This is a secular, empowering story for ages 8 to 12 that tackles the messy transition into adolescence with humor and heart.
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Sign in to write a reviewExplores the painful shifting and potential ending of a long-term childhood friendship.
The book handles identity and coming-of-age through a secular, metaphorical lens. Ellie is a queer protagonist, and her realization of her crush on a girl is handled with gentle, realistic sensitivity. The concept of death is addressed through her powers, but it is treated more as a plot device for her growth rather than a heavy exploration of grief.
A 10-year-old girl who loves comic books and Marvel movies but feels like she is the 'sidekick' in her own friend group. This is for the child who is starting to realize their interests might be different from their peers and needs permission to be themselves.
Read cold. The book is very accessible. Parents may want to be ready to discuss the dynamics of 'toxic' vs. 'changing' friendships, as the tension between Ellie and Abby is a central theme. A parent might notice their child becoming increasingly withdrawn or 'performing' a certain personality just to keep a childhood friendship alive. The trigger is hearing the child say, 'I don't think I'm good at anything' or 'No one notices me anyway.'
Younger readers (8-9) will focus on the 'cool factor' of the superpowers and the mystery. Older readers (11-12) will deeply resonate with the social hierarchy of middle school, the nuances of the friendship breakup, and Ellie's emerging queer identity.
Unlike many superhero stories that focus on the 'chosen one' trope with grand destiny, this is a deeply internal story about the bravery required to be ordinary and authentic in a world obsessed with virality.
Ellie Engle is content living in the shadow of her best friend, Abby, until a freak accident gives her the ability to resurrect dead things with her touch. While Ellie wants to keep her powers a secret, Abby sees them as a ticket to fame. As Ellie's powers go viral and the town of Petaluma faces a supernatural crisis, Ellie must decide if she will continue to let others define her or if she will finally step into the spotlight to save her world.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.