
Reach for this book when your middle-schooler is struggling with the invisible divide between the 'haves' and 'have-nots' or navigating a significant change in family stability. The story follows Jasmine, who is grieving her father and facing financial hardship, and Maddie, who appears to have the perfect life. Through their alternating perspectives, the book explores how grief and shame can create walls between potential friends. It is a sensitive, realistic look at the complex social hierarchies of sixth grade. Parents will appreciate how it validates the intense feelings of jealousy and loneliness that often accompany loss, while ultimately modeling a path toward empathy and genuine connection. It is highly appropriate for ages 8 to 12 as they begin to recognize the deeper, often hidden, struggles of their peers.
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Sign in to write a reviewCharacters act out of jealousy or shame, leading to unkind choices before reconciling.
The book deals directly with the death of a parent and financial instability. The approach is secular and grounded in realistic fiction. While the grief is heavy, the resolution is hopeful and focuses on the power of peer support rather than a magical fix for their circumstances.
A 10 or 11-year-old girl who feels like an outsider because of her family's changing financial status or a recent loss. It is perfect for a child who feels 'shame' about their home life and needs to see that vulnerability can lead to friendship.
The book can be read cold, but parents should be ready to discuss the specific ways Jasmine expresses her anger, which can be prickly at times. A parent might choose this after hearing their child make harsh comparisons between their own life and a peer's, or if they notice their child is hiding their true self to fit in at school.
Younger readers (age 8-9) will focus on the 'mean girl' dynamics and the sadness of the loss. Older readers (11-12) will better grasp the socioeconomic nuances and the concept of 'masking' emotions.
Unlike many books that focus solely on the 'poor girl' or the 'rich girl,' Pakkala balances both perspectives, showing that everyone has a private battle.
The story is told through dual perspectives. Jasmine is dealing with the death of her father and a subsequent move into a small apartment, leaving her feeling isolated and resentful. Maddie is her classmate who seems to lead a charmed life but faces her own internal pressures. The narrative tracks their friction at school and the slow, realistic thawing of their relationship as they realize neither of them is exactly who they appear to be on the surface.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.