Getting Near to Baby

This Newbery Honor novel tenderly explores the complex emotions of grief through the eyes of two sisters, Willa Jo (13) and Little Sister (7), after the death of their infant sibling from contaminated water. Sent to live with their well-meaning but rigid Aunt Patty, the girls struggle to process their loss in a new, rule-bound environment. Willa Jo narrates the story in a nonlinear fashion, reflecting on their journey towards healing, while Little Sister copes by ceasing to speak. The book beautifully portrays how children express and navigate profound sadness, and how empathy can bridge generational gaps in understanding. It's a poignant yet ultimately hopeful story about family, resilience, and finding comfort in unexpected places.