Things You Can't Say

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.