Pieces of Georgia

Georgia is a middle-schooler living with her single father in a small town. Several years after her mother's death, Georgia is still navigating the 'pieces' of her life. She receives a sketchbook and starts writing and drawing as a way to process her emotions and 'talk' to her mother. The story follows her developing talent, her relationship with her father, and her realization that she can be her own person while still honoring her mother's memory. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book deals directly with the death of a parent and the resulting grief. The approach is secular and realistic rather than metaphorical. While the loss happened in the past, the emotional resonance is current. The resolution is hopeful and grounded, focusing on the continuation of life rather than a 'cure' for sadness. EMOTIONAL ARC: The book starts in a place of quiet, dusty loneliness and slowly builds toward a vibrant sense of discovery. It is gentle throughout, mirroring the slow process of artistic creation and emotional healing. IDEAL READER: A 10 to 12 year old child who is artistic or introverted and might be struggling with a family change or loss. It is perfect for the 'quiet' child who feels things deeply but doesn't always have the words to say them. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might choose this after seeing their child withdraw into their own world or after noticing the child is curious about a deceased relative they barely remember. PARENT PREP: The book can be read cold. It is a verse novel, so the pacing is quick, but the emotional weight requires pauses for reflection. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger readers will focus on Georgia's talent and her school life. Older readers will pick up on the nuanced relationship between Georgia and her father, noticing his grief alongside hers. DIFFERENTIATOR: The use of the verse format combined with the focus on visual art makes this feel like a private diary, creating an intimate bond between the reader and the protagonist.