
A parent might reach for this book when their child feels like an outsider because they see the world differently, or to foster empathy for neurodivergent perspectives. Twelve-year-old Candice Phee is on a mission to fix the sadness in her family. Her dad is depressed, her mom is grieving a hidden loss, and her uncle won't speak to them. With a literal mind and a heart of gold, Candice uses her alphabetical school project to document her life and execute her plan for happiness. This funny and deeply moving story tackles themes of grief, depression, and family love through the eyes of an unforgettable, optimistic, and likely autistic narrator. It's a perfect conversation starter for middle-grade readers about empathy and the different ways people think and feel.
The book deals directly and frankly with parental depression, grief over the death of a child (SIDS), and bullying. The approach is secular. These heavy topics are filtered through Candice's unique, literal, and optimistic narration, which makes them accessible and less overwhelming for young readers. The resolution is hopeful but realistic: not every problem is perfectly solved, but understanding, communication, and healing begin in earnest.
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Sign in to write a reviewA child aged 10-13 who feels different, misunderstood, or is simply drawn to quirky characters. It's especially powerful for neurodivergent readers who may see themselves in Candice's logical, literal worldview. It is also an excellent, gentle entry point for a child trying to understand complex adult emotions like depression or grief within their own family.
Parents should be aware that the book addresses the death of an infant (SIDS) and clinical depression. These themes are handled with great care, but a parent may want to be prepared to discuss them. The book can be read cold, as Candice's narration provides a gentle guide, but a follow-up conversation would be beneficial for helping a child process the complex emotions involved. A parent hears their child say, "Nobody gets me," or sees them struggling to connect with peers because of their unique way of communicating. Another trigger could be a child asking questions about why a family member is always sad or expressing a desire to "fix" a sad situation at home.
A younger reader (9-10) will connect with Candice's humor, her determination, and her unusual friendships. They will grasp the core emotional themes of sadness and love. An older reader (11-13) will appreciate the more nuanced layers of the story: the complexities of the family feud, the depth of the father's depression, and the sophisticated way the author balances humor and pathos.
The unforgettable first-person narrative voice is what sets this book apart. Candice's alphabetical, fact-based, and uniquely logical approach to storytelling allows the book to explore profound grief and mental illness without ever feeling preachy or overly sentimental. It's the blend of genuine humor and deep, authentic emotion that makes it a standout.
Twelve-year-old Candice Phee sees the world in a very literal, categorical way. For a school project, she decides to write her life story from A to Z. Through this project, she reveals her mission: to restore happiness to her family, which has been fractured by a feud between her depressed father and her wealthy uncle, and by the unspoken grief over the long-ago death of her baby sister. With the help of her friend Douglas Benson, who believes he's from another dimension, Candice puts her very logical, often hilarious plans into action, determined to bring her family back together.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.