
Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling to articulate their feelings after a significant loss or family upheaval. It is particularly effective for children who tend to internalize their grief or feel isolated by secret family histories. Through an engaging email exchange, the story follows Guy and Ellie, two teenagers navigating the complexities of mourning and the discovery of hidden truths about their parents. This epistolary novel offers a safe space for readers to process sadness, loyalty, and the importance of honesty. It is highly appropriate for middle schoolers and young teens, providing a realistic and comforting model for how to build supportive connections when face-to-face communication feels too difficult.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe book deals directly with the death of a parent and the emotional fallout of grief. The approach is secular and deeply realistic, focusing on the psychological impact of loss rather than spiritual explanations. The resolution is hopeful but grounded in reality, emphasizing that while the past cannot be changed, understanding it allows for a better future.
A 13-year-old who feels misunderstood by their parents and prefers expressing themselves through writing rather than talking. It's for the teen who has experienced a loss and feels like they are the only one going through it.
This book can be read cold. Parents should be aware that the epistolary format means some emotional nuances are subtextual. A parent might notice their child becoming increasingly withdrawn or secretive about their online communications, or perhaps they see their child struggling to find the words to discuss a recent family tragedy.
Younger readers (11-12) will focus on the mystery of the family secrets and the novelty of the email format. Older teens (14-16) will better appreciate the nuances of the psychological trauma and the complexity of the adult relationships depicted.
The use of the email format (cutting edge for its time) remains an excellent study in voice and character development. It captures the unique intimacy and safety that digital communication provides for vulnerable teenagers.
The story is told entirely through emails between two teenagers, Guy and Ellie. Guy is grieving the death of his mother and struggling with his father's decision to move them to a new town. Ellie is dealing with her own family mysteries and the emotional distance of her parents. They are connected by their fathers, who were childhood friends, and forced into communication. As they share their daily lives, they begin to uncover a shared history and secrets that their parents have kept hidden for years.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.