
Reach for this book when your child is processing a loss that feels heavy with unanswered questions or social stigma, particularly the death of a parent. It is an essential resource for families navigating the specific, complex grief of suicide, though it handles the topic with immense grace and age-appropriate delicacy. The story follows Andrew, a boy who loves baking and is trying to navigate the 'before' and 'after' of his father's death. Through Andrew's journey, the book explores the weight of secrets, the importance of honesty in healing, and the realization that while some things are hard to say, they don't have to be carried alone. It is a profoundly hopeful choice for middle-grade readers who need to see their complicated feelings mirrored and validated.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe protagonist struggles with lying to his mother and keeping secrets.
The book deals directly with parental suicide and depression. The approach is realistic and secular, focusing on the psychological impact on the survivors. The resolution is hopeful and grounded in the necessity of therapy and open communication.
A 10 to 12 year old who feels they are being protected from a family truth and is experiencing the 'loneliness in a crowd' that comes with significant grief.
Parents should be aware that the book does not shy away from the word 'suicide' or the reality of clinical depression. It is best to read this alongside the child or be ready for a deep conversation immediately following the conclusion. A parent might see their child becoming withdrawn, obsessing over old photos or belongings of a deceased loved one, or showing anger toward the parent who is 'trying to move on.'
Younger readers (age 8-9) will focus on the baking and the friendship dynamics. Older readers (11-12) will deeply feel the tension of the 'unsaid' and the nuances of Andrew's resentment toward his mother.
Unlike many grief books that focus on the immediate aftermath, this explores the 'long tail' of grief and the specific burden of a death that society often treats as a taboo.
Andrew is a middle-schooler living in the wake of his father's death. While his mother tries to move forward, Andrew is stuck in the silence surrounding how his father died (suicide). He finds solace in the kitchen of a local bakery and in a new friendship with a girl named Jax. When he discovers a hidden letter from his father, he must decide whether to keep the secret or face the truth with his family.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.