Holes in the Sky

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the profound sadness of losing a grandparent or the disorientation that follows a major move to an unfamiliar city. This semi-autobiographical story follows a young girl whose world is turned upside down by the death of her beloved grandmother and a subsequent move to Oakland. Through the lens of her grief, we see how the warmth of a new, vibrant community and the healing power of nature can slowly mend a broken heart. Polacco's signature illustrations capture the heavy weight of sorrow alongside the gradual return of color and light. It is a deeply comforting choice for children aged 6 to 10 who need to see their feelings of loneliness and loss mirrored and validated, while also being gently reminded that life eventually blooms again in unexpected places.