Hurricane Season

Nicole Melleby's 'Hurricane Season' is a tender and honest exploration of a child's experience with a parent's mental illness. Eleven-year-old Fig loves her father, a talented pianist and composer, but his unpredictable behavior due to his mental health condition creates a constant undercurrent of worry and secrecy in her life. Fig enrolls in an art class, hoping to find a way to connect with and understand her father's inner world, while simultaneously trying to shield him and their family from the judgment of neighbors and social services. This book offers a compassionate look at the emotional burden on children in such situations, highlighting themes of love, resilience, and the search for connection and understanding. It's ideal for middle-grade readers ready for a thoughtful, character-driven story.