
A parent should reach for this book when their teenager is struggling to process a sudden loss or is feeling the overwhelming weight of survivor's guilt. It is an essential resource for families navigating the complex, often silent aftermath of a friend or peer's suicide, offering a bridge for communication when words feel impossible. The story follows Caitlin as she discovers her best friend Ingrid's journal, which serves as both a painful reminder of what was lost and a guide toward healing. While the subject matter is heavy, the book focuses on the slow, realistic process of recovery through art, photography, and the rebuilding of community. It is most appropriate for mature teens aged 14 and up due to its direct exploration of depression and self-harm. Parents will appreciate the book's honesty, as it avoids easy answers and instead validates the messy, non-linear nature of grief while ultimately affirming the value of choosing to stay.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewDepicts deep depression, isolation, and the visceral experience of grief.
Occasional realistic teenage profanity.
A sweet, supportive budding romance with some kissing.
References to teenage partying and alcohol use.
The book deals directly with suicide, depression, and self-harm. The approach is secular and deeply realistic. It does not glamorize the act but focuses on the devastation left behind and the signs that were missed. The resolution is hopeful but grounded in the reality that grief is a lifelong journey.
A thoughtful, artistic teenager who feels like an outsider or who is currently processing a significant loss. It is perfect for the teen who expresses themselves through visual arts rather than words.
Parents should be aware that the book contains descriptions of self-harm and the finality of suicide. It is helpful to read this alongside the teen or be available for deep conversations about mental health. A parent might reach for this after seeing their child withdraw socially, stop participating in hobbies they once loved, or after a tragedy occurs within the school community.
Younger teens (14) may focus on the mystery of the journal and the social dynamics of high school. Older teens (17 to 18) will likely connect more deeply with the themes of identity, the transition to adulthood, and the existential weight of loss.
Unlike many 'grief' novels, Hold Still uses the physical medium of a journal (including sketches) and the protagonist's focus on manual crafts like building a treehouse to show that healing is an active, creative process.
Following the suicide of her best friend Ingrid, high schooler Caitlin is left in a state of frozen grief. Her world starts to shift when she finds Ingrid's journal hidden under her bed. Through the journal's entries and her own growing passion for photography and woodworking, Caitlin begins to navigate the complexities of her senior year, old friendships, and a budding new romance while coming to terms with the secrets Ingrid kept.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.