
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the feeling that they do not fit into the standard boxes of identity or when they are struggling to find a safe way to express deep, heavy secrets. It is a profound resource for children who feel invisible at home or misunderstood by peers, offering a mirror for those questioning their gender identity. The story follows Rowan, a child who feels like neither the right kind of boy nor the right kind of girl. While the plot involves letters sent into the world on balloons, the heart of the book deals with the internal courage required to trust someone else with your truth. Parents should be aware that the book addresses serious themes, including domestic trauma and neglect, making it most suitable for middle schoolers aged 10 to 14. It is a vital choice for fostering empathy and providing a lifeline to children who feel profoundly alone in their experiences.
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Sign in to write a reviewThemes of neglect, extreme loneliness, and fear at home.
Rowan faces bullying and transphobia/enbyphobia from peers.
Emotional and physical danger related to the home environment.
The book addresses gender identity, physical abuse, and neglect with raw, direct realism. There is no metaphorical cushioning here: Rowan's experiences with his father are described as painful and confusing. The resolution is realistic and hopeful, focusing on the power of being seen and the first steps toward safety rather than a magical fix.
A 12-year-old who feels like an outsider due to their gender expression and who may be carrying a heavy burden of family secrets they don't know how to share.
Parents should absolutely preview the scenes involving Rowan's father (physical abuse) to ensure their child is emotionally ready. This book is best read with an adult available for debriefing. A parent may pick this up after hearing their child say 'I don't feel safe' or 'I don't think I'm a boy or a girl,' or if they notice their child becoming increasingly withdrawn and secretive.
Younger readers (10-11) may focus more on the friendship and the letters, while older readers (13-14) will more deeply process the nuances of gender identity and the severity of the home situation.
Unlike many 'issue books,' this is written with an epistolary, lyrical quality that captures the specific internal voice of a nonbinary child experiencing trauma without being clinical or didactic.
Rowan is a middle schooler who feels outside the gender binary and isolated by a painful home life. To cope with his loneliness and the trauma of physical abuse from his father, Rowan writes anonymous letters and releases them on balloons. Through an unexpected friendship with a classmate named Sofie, who faces her own struggles, Rowan begins to find the language for his identity and the strength to seek safety.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.