This book offers solace for young readers grappling with profound feelings of loss or searching for meaning in difficult circumstances. It's a journey of the spirit.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is navigating the complex grief of losing a close loved one, especially a sibling. Neshama is a poignant novel in verse about a young girl grappling with the death of her brother. She discovers she can still see his soul, or 'neshama', as a flickering light, and becomes determined to protect it. This lyrical story blends realistic contemporary life with a touch of magical realism, exploring profound themes of loss, memory, identity, and the enduring nature of love. For ages 10 to 14, it offers a gentle yet powerful way to open conversations about grief, providing comfort and normalizing the feeling that our loved ones are never truly gone.
The book deals directly with the death of a sibling and the resulting grief. The approach is both direct, showing the protagonist's raw pain and isolation, and metaphorical, through the fantasy element of the visible 'neshama'. This concept, rooted in Jewish spirituality, is presented as a personal, magical experience accessible to a secular audience. The resolution is hopeful, not erasing the pain of loss but transforming it into a story of enduring love and memory.
Ideal Reader
A sensitive, introspective child aged 10 to 14 who is processing the death of a close loved one. It is particularly suited for a child who feels isolated in their grief or is asking big, spiritual questions about what happens after someone dies. It will also appeal to readers who appreciate lyrical writing and magical realism.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared for the book's direct engagement with the pain of losing a sibling. It would be wise to preview the opening chapters that establish the loss. No special context is needed as the book will likely explain the concept of 'neshama', but being ready to discuss grief openly is key. A parent notices their child has become withdrawn, sad, or is struggling to talk about their feelings after a family death. The child might say things like, "I miss them so much," or, "No one understands how I feel."
Age Experience
A younger reader (10-11) might focus on the magical quest to protect the brother's light and the main character's friendships. An older reader (12-14) will connect more deeply with the complex emotional landscape, the protagonist's search for identity, and the philosophical questions about memory and spirit.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many grief narratives, Neshama uses a specific cultural and spiritual concept, the 'neshama', as a tangible, magical device. This, combined with the poetic and accessible verse format, makes the abstract nature of the soul and the process of grieving feel immediate and uniquely hopeful. It's a story about not just loss, but continued presence.
Read plot summary
A middle school girl is devastated by the recent death of her older brother. Lost in her grief, she begins to see his spirit, or 'neshama', as a tangible, shimmering light. As she navigates the confusing worlds of school, friendships, and family, she feels a deep responsibility to protect this fragile light, believing it's the last piece of him left. The story follows her internal journey of processing her loss, finding her own identity outside of her grief, and learning that connection can survive even death.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The main character sees her brother's 'neshama' as a light. What do you think this light represents? Is it a real thing, or a way for her to feel close to him?
2
How does the way the story is written, in verse instead of regular paragraphs, change how you experience the character's feelings of grief and hope?
3
At school, the main character feels very different from her friends. Why is it so hard for her to connect with them after her brother's death? Have you ever felt like no one understood what you were going through?
4
The book's title, Neshama, means 'soul' or 'spirit'. How does learning about this idea help the main character on her journey? What helps you when you feel sad or lost?
