
A parent might reach for this book when a child is navigating grief after losing a family member, especially if they prefer a story that isn't overtly somber. In this graphic novel, Shaheen's music-loving dad is so lost in grief for his late wife that he literally disappears into the past via a magical, time-traveling jukebox. With her cousin Tannaz, Shaheen chases him through different musical eras, discovering her family's history and her parents' love story. It’s a beautiful, vibrant adventure that uses fantasy to explore how we stay connected to loved ones we've lost. For ages 8 to 12, it’s a creative and hopeful way to open conversations about memory, family, and healing.
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Sign in to write a reviewCharacters are in unfamiliar time periods and briefly chased, but the tone remains adventurous.
The central theme is grief over the death of a parent. The approach is metaphorical: the father is physically lost in the past, representing his inability to move on from his sadness. It is a secular story. The resolution is very hopeful, with the family reunited and beginning to heal together. The book also briefly and directly addresses racism in one historical scene.
This is for an 8 to 12-year-old dealing with the loss of a parent or grandparent, especially if the remaining family members are visibly struggling with their own grief. It’s perfect for a child who loves fantasy and adventure and would benefit from a story that processes loss through action and discovery rather than quiet reflection.
Parents should be prepared to discuss a scene around page 150, where the girls travel to the 1950s and encounter a “No coloreds allowed” sign. It’s a direct but brief moment that provides a good opportunity to talk about segregation and racism in American history. Otherwise, the book can be read without much preparation. A parent notices their child seems disconnected or sad following a family death. The parent themselves feels stuck in their own grief and wants a tool to help reconnect with their child and gently talk about the person they lost. The child may be asking more questions about family history or the deceased loved one.
A younger reader (8-9) will primarily enjoy the magical time-travel adventure, the changing fashions, and the quest to find dad. An older reader (10-12) will better understand the metaphor of being emotionally stuck in the past, connect with the historical and cultural references, and appreciate the deeper themes of processing grief and understanding one's heritage.
This book tackles grief through a unique, high-concept fantasy lens, making it more accessible and less intimidating than realistic fiction on the same topic. Its vibrant graphic novel format and its specific focus on music as a vessel for memory and connection set it apart. The centering of a South Asian American family's multi-generational story is also a significant and welcome feature.
After her mother's death, 12-year-old Shaheen's father, Jay, retreats into his grief and the music he and his wife shared. One day, he vanishes. Shaheen and her cousin Tannaz discover he has been pulled into a magical, time-traveling jukebox. Using his vinyl collection, the girls follow him through decades of music and history, from the 1950s to the 1990s, uncovering their family's past and their parents' love story on a quest to bring him home.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.