Mira in the Present Tense

A parent would reach for this book when their middle schooler is beginning to process the impending loss of a grandparent or is feeling overwhelmed by the physical and social transitions of puberty. It is a tender, artistic exploration of twelve-year-old Mira's life as she balances the joy of a first crush and the changing landscape of her body with the heavy reality that her beloved Nana Josie is dying of cancer. The story beautifully weaves together themes of heritage, memory, and the importance of self-expression through art and writing. While the subject of terminal illness is central, the tone remains grounded and life-affirming. It is an ideal choice for children aged 10 to 14 who are sensitive, creative, and looking for a story that validates the complicated, often messy feelings of growing up while saying goodbye to a piece of their childhood.