
A parent would reach for this book when their middle schooler is experiencing the dizzying, often confusing rush of a first crush or is beginning to explore their queer identity. Told through a lyrical modern retelling of Orpheus and Euridice, the story follows Eden and Olivia as they navigate the social landmines of seventh grade. It captures the specific vulnerability of wanting to be seen while fearing the judgment of peers and parents. This verse novel is a supportive choice for parents who want to validate their child's intense emotions and help them understand that their feelings are a natural part of growing up. It provides a mirror for young LGBTQ plus readers and a window for others to build empathy regarding identity and the courage required to be authentic.
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Sign in to write a reviewDeals with the fear of rejection and the stress of keeping secrets from family.
Characters struggle with whether to follow parental rules or their own hearts.
The book addresses LGBTQ plus identity and coming out with a realistic, secular approach. It touches on parental control and the fear of rejection. The resolution is hopeful and empowering, emphasizing self-acceptance over external validation.
A 12-year-old girl who feels like she is living two different lives: the one her parents and friends expect, and the one she feels inside. It is perfect for the quiet observer who finds comfort in poetry and music.
Parents should be prepared to discuss the intensity of middle school social hierarchies. There are no explicit scenes requiring censorship, but the emotional weight of 'coming out' is a central theme. A parent might notice their child becoming more secretive about their phone or friends, or perhaps they hear their child expressing anxiety about 'not being normal' or fitting in.
Younger readers (10-11) will focus on the excitement of the crush and the 'mean girl' dynamics. Older readers (13-14) will better appreciate the structural nods to mythology and the deeper themes of identity and parental conflict.
Its status as a verse novel makes it highly accessible for reluctant readers, while the mythological parallels add a sophisticated layer of meaning not often found in middle grade romance.
Eden is a studious rule-follower; Olivia is a bold, musical spirit. When they meet in seventh grade, the connection is instant and transformative. However, they must navigate Olivia's protective, sometimes restrictive father and Eden's desire to fit in with the 'cool' crowd. The story uses the Orpheus and Eurydice myth as a framework for their blooming romance and the external pressures that threaten to pull them apart.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.