
Reach for this book when your middle schooler is grappling with the awkward transition from childhood playmate to potential romantic interest, or if they are beginning to realize that their parents and grandparents have complex lives they never knew about. The story follows fourteen-year-old Sarah on a transformative trip to Italy with her eccentric grandmother, leaving behind a confusing 'pretend' relationship with her best friend, Curtis. It is a warm and witty exploration of self-discovery, the weight of family secrets, and the realization that growing up means seeing the world in shades of gray rather than black and white. Parents will appreciate the way it validates the cringey moments of early adolescence while maintaining a sophisticated, thoughtful tone. It is perfectly suited for ages 10 to 14, offering a roadmap for navigating changing social dynamics and the discovery of one's own independent voice.
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Sign in to write a reviewDiscovery of a past family tragedy involving the death of a child and mental illness.
The book deals with family secrets involving mental health and a past tragedy (a sibling's death). The approach is realistic and secular, though set against the backdrop of a Catholic pilgrimage. The resolution is hopeful and grounded in better communication.
A thoughtful 12-year-old girl who feels 'stuck' in a persona her friends or family have created for her and who loves stories about travel and grandmother-granddaughter bonds.
Parents should be aware of the discussion surrounding a family member's past institutionalization and death, which is handled with care but is central to the mystery. A parent might notice their child suddenly pulling away from a long-time childhood friend or expressing frustration that everyone 'expects' them to act a certain way.
Younger readers will enjoy the travel adventure and the 'fake dating' drama; older readers will pick up on the nuance of the grandmother's grief and the protagonist's burgeoning independence.
Unlike many YA travel books, this focuses less on a summer fling and more on the internal architecture of family history and the courage required to be honest with oneself.
Sarah and her best friend Curtis have spent years pretending to be boyfriend and girlfriend to satisfy their small-town social circles, but as high school looms, the charade becomes suffocating. Sarah takes the opportunity to flee to Rome with her grandmother, Z. The trip, framed as a religious pilgrimage, becomes a journey of discovery as Sarah learns about Z's past and a hidden family tragedy. Back home, Curtis is dealing with his own transformation, leading to a climax where both characters must decide who they want to be outside of their established roles.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.