For children navigating confusing family dynamics and unsettling neighborhood changes, this book explores understanding mysterious shifts and the impact of new arrivals.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is feeling unsettled by changes they don't understand, whether within their family or their immediate world. It's a gentle story for kids who notice subtle shifts in people they love and feel a mix of confusion, loyalty, and anxiety. The book follows sixth-grader Laurel as she tries to solve several concurrent mysteries: her younger sister's increasingly strange behavior, the identity of a new boy in her class, and the sudden disappearance of her favorite tree. It sensitively explores themes of worry, misjudgment, and the love between siblings. Perfect for ages 10-13, it provides a safe space to explore the idea that not all questions have easy answers and that empathy is a powerful tool for understanding.
The central sensitive topic is the younger sister's undiagnosed developmental or neurological difference. The book approaches this metaphorically through Laurel's limited sixth-grade perspective. She sees the behavior as a mystery to be solved, not a medical condition. This secular approach focuses on the emotional impact on the family unit. The resolution is not a diagnosis or a cure, but rather Laurel's growing acceptance and empathy, which is both realistic and hopeful.
Ideal Reader
A thoughtful, sensitive 10 to 12-year-old who is starting to notice the complexities of human behavior. It's particularly well-suited for a child who has a sibling or friend with unexplained behavioral changes or special needs, and who is struggling with feelings of confusion, frustration, and protectiveness.
Parent Prep
No specific pages require previewing for content. However, a parent should be prepared for the story to leave the sister's condition unlabeled. This is a deliberate choice. It's an opportunity to discuss with a child that sometimes people act differently for reasons we don't fully understand, and how we can show them support and kindness anyway. A parent notices their child seems worried or frustrated about a sibling's behavior, perhaps saying something like, "Why does she always do that? It's so weird," or expresses feelings of helplessness about a change in their environment, like, "It's not fair they did that."
Age Experience
A younger reader (10-11) will likely focus on the concrete mystery of the tree and whether Gabriel is a 'good guy' or a 'bad guy.' An older reader (12-13) will be more attuned to the subtle family dynamics and the subtext of Annie's condition. They will better grasp the themes of misperception and the emotional weight of Laurel’s internal journey.
What Makes It Special
While many middle-grade books feature mysteries, this one is unique for its quiet, internal focus. The external mystery of the tree serves as a powerful metaphor for the more profound, internal mystery of trying to understand what's happening inside another person's mind and heart. Its strength is in validating a child's anxiety while gently guiding them toward empathy over judgment.
Read plot summary
Sixth-grader Laurel’s world feels off-kilter. Her younger sister, Annie, is exhibiting increasingly strange, withdrawn behaviors that worry and confuse Laurel. Simultaneously, a new boy named Gabriel moves in next door and joins her class, and Laurel’s beloved climbing tree, a source of solace, is cut down. Laurel suspects Gabriel's family is responsible. The narrative follows Laurel's quiet investigation as she navigates shifting friendships, her family's unspoken stress, and her own assumptions about the new arrivals, leading her to a more complex understanding of the people around her.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Laurel makes a lot of assumptions about Gabriel and his family when the tree disappears. Have you ever misjudged someone and later found out you were wrong? What did you learn?
2
Laurel feels very protective of her sister, Annie, but also frustrated by her behavior. Why is it possible to feel two opposite emotions about someone you love at the same time?
3
The climbing tree was more than just a tree to Laurel. What made it so special to her? Talk about a place that feels special and safe to you.
4
By the end of the story, Laurel doesn't have all the answers about her sister. What does she learn about the difference between solving a mystery and understanding a person?
