
Reach for this book when your child feels like the 'difficult' one in the family or is struggling with intense outbursts of anger they don't quite understand. It is a powerful resource for children who feel misunderstood by authority figures and need to see their internal emotional storms reflected with empathy and nuance. The story follows May, a twelve year old girl with a quick fuse who is convinced she is the 'bad' kid compared to her seemingly perfect brother. As she embarks on a summer quest to find the mother who left her, she begins to peel back layers of family secrets and mental health struggles. It is a deeply moving exploration of forgiveness, the complexity of parental love, and the realization that being angry doesn't make you unlovable. This book is best suited for mature middle grade readers who are ready to navigate realistic family dynamics and the messy process of healing.
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Sign in to write a reviewSome name-calling and aggressive dialogue reflecting the protagonist's anger.
May lies and goes on a secret journey to find her mother without permission.
The book deals directly with maternal abandonment and mental illness (specifically depression and breakdown). The approach is secular and very realistic. The resolution is hopeful but grounded: May doesn't get a 'perfect' reunion, but she gains understanding and a path toward self-acceptance.
A 10 to 12 year old child who frequently gets in trouble at school for 'behavioral' issues or who feels a deep, unspoken resentment toward a parent who is absent or emotionally unavailable.
Parents should be aware of scenes involving May's intense anger and her grandmother's rigid parenting style. It is best to read this alongside the child to discuss the reality of mental illness mentioned later in the book. A parent might see their child have a meltdown over a small frustration and realize the child is actually hurting about something much deeper that they can't articulate.
Younger readers (9) will focus on the 'detective' aspect of finding the mom. Older readers (12) will deeply resonate with the identity crisis and the unfairness of family labels.
Unlike many books about 'difficult' kids that focus on behavior modification, this book validates the child's anger as a legitimate response to trauma and secrets.
May is a seventh grader known for her 'atomic' temper. Living with her strict grandmother and her overachieving brother, May feels like an outsider in her own home. When she discovers a hidden letter from her mother, who left years ago due to mental health struggles, May sets out on a journey to find her. Along the way, she discovers that her anger is a shield for her grief and that her mother's departure was not a reflection of May's worth.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.