
A parent might reach for this book when their thoughtful, observant child is feeling a bit disconnected or is beginning to grapple with the complexities of people and the world. It’s for the tween who feels a little lonely or bored, and needs a reminder of the wonder hidden in plain sight. In this gentle verse novel, fourteen-year-old Enid reluctantly takes a summer babysitting job for a quirky, brilliant little boy who insists on being called Terrific. Their daily trips to a Boston public park become a journey of discovery, as the boy’s unique perspective helps Enid see the magic in ordinary people and places. Perfect for ages 9 to 13, this book beautifully explores themes of empathy, intergenerational friendship, and finding your own way to be terrific, making it a wonderful choice for fostering quiet confidence and curiosity.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe book touches on themes of loneliness and socioeconomic differences through secondary characters (e.g., the street musician). The approach is direct but gentle, framed through the protagonist's observations rather than her own direct experience. It is a secular story, and the resolution is hopeful and realistic, focusing on the power of small acts of kindness and connection.
The ideal reader is a thoughtful, introspective 10 to 12-year-old who appreciates character-driven stories over fast-paced plots. It's perfect for a child who is beginning to feel the awkwardness of the tween years and might be struggling to find their place, or a young reader who simply loves beautiful language and stories about the power of friendship.
No specific preparation is needed; the book can be read cold. However, given the verse format, parents might enjoy reading the first few pages aloud with their child to help them settle into the rhythm of the text. Discussing the setting of a public park and the different kinds of people one might meet there could be a helpful primer. A parent might seek this book after hearing their child say something like, "I'm bored," or "No one understands me." It's a response to a child who seems to be withdrawing, becoming more cynical, or is having trouble making new friends.
A younger reader (9-10) will likely focus on the charming and humorous relationship between Enid and Terrific, enjoying the boy's quirky antics. An older reader (11-13) will connect more deeply with Enid's internal journey: her feelings of being misunderstood, her growing empathy, and her quiet steps toward self-acceptance and a more optimistic worldview.
Unlike many middle-grade novels that focus on big, dramatic problems, this book's power is in its quiet subtlety. The verse novel format elevates a simple story into something lyrical and emotionally resonant. Its unique strength is its celebration of an intergenerational, platonic friendship and its message that profundity and joy can be found in the everyday, simply by paying attention.
Fourteen-year-old Enid, feeling cynical and adrift, takes a summer babysitting job for an eccentric, highly intelligent four-year-old named Joshua, who renames himself 'Terrific'. Their days are spent exploring Boston's Public Garden, where Terrific's boundless curiosity and unique way of seeing the world slowly chip away at Enid's teenage apathy. Through their interactions with a cast of park regulars, including a lonely street musician and a gruff but kind park-keeper, Enid forges an unlikely friendship and rediscovers her own capacity for wonder and connection.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.