Hugging the Rock

Reach for this book when your child is struggling to process the sudden absence of a caregiver or trying to navigate the confusing ups and downs of a family member's mental health crisis. It offers a safe space for children to witness their own complicated feelings of resentment, longing, and eventual acceptance reflected in a relatable story. Through the eyes of young Rachel, readers see that while a parent's illness is not their fault, they can still find stability and deep love with the parent who remains. This verse novel is written with a gentle, poetic touch that makes heavy themes accessible for middle-schoolers. It provides a vital bridge for families to discuss the 'invisible' illness of bipolar disorder or depression. Parents will find it a supportive tool for reinforcing that their child is loved and secure, even when the family structure feels like it is shifting beneath their feet.