For a child navigating the quiet ache of a parent they never knew, or exploring their heritage, this book offers a heartfelt journey of discovery and connection.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is grappling with questions about a parent who is absent or has passed away, particularly one they never knew. It's a gentle story for a child feeling disconnected from their family history or cultural roots. The book follows twelve-year-old Izzy, who is sent to spend the summer with the grandmother she barely knows in a small New Mexico village. There, she begins to uncover the story of her father, who died before she was born. Through cooking, new friendships, and a bit of magical realism, Izzy pieces together her own identity. This is a warm, hopeful book that frames grief not just as sadness, but as a journey of discovery and connection, making it an excellent choice for kids ages 9 to 13.
The book deals directly with the death of a parent, but as a past event that shapes the protagonist's identity rather than a present trauma. The grief is for a person and a history that is unknown, not a fresh loss. The approach is secular but deeply infused with a sense of wonder and magical realism that serves a spiritual purpose, connecting Izzy to her father and her heritage. The resolution is deeply hopeful, providing Izzy with a powerful sense of connection and belonging, turning absence into a meaningful presence in her life.
Ideal Reader
A child aged 10-12 who is piecing together a fractured family story. This is perfect for a child who never knew a parent or grandparent and is beginning to ask more complex questions about them. It would also resonate deeply with a child who feels disconnected from their cultural heritage and is looking for a gentle entry point to explore it, especially if they are of Hispanic descent.
Parent Prep
This book can be read cold. Its gentle approach does not require significant pre-reading or context-setting. However, parents should be prepared for it to open up conversations about their own family history, traditions, and stories of loved ones who have passed away. A parent overhears their child say something like, "I wish I knew my dad," or, "Why don't we ever talk about him?" The child might be looking through old photo albums or asking relatives for stories, trying to create a mental picture of a missing family member.
Age Experience
A younger reader (9-10) will be drawn to the mystery of the father's box, the burgeoning friendships, and the magic of the special baseball. An older reader (11-13) will connect more deeply with Izzy's internal struggle for identity, her complex relationship with her mother, and the nuanced understanding of how family stories shape who we are.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many books about parental loss which focus on the immediate aftermath, this story tackles the unique and quieter grief of missing someone you never met. Its distinctive strength is blending this emotional journey with a rich, sensory exploration of New Mexican culture and cuisine. The food is not just background detail; it is the medium for connection, memory, and healing. The subtle magical realism also sets it apart, offering a sense of wonder and destiny.
Read plot summary
Twelve-year-old Izzy is reluctantly sent to live with her grandmother in a small New Mexico village for the summer while her mother researches in Costa Rica. Feeling abandoned, Izzy's perspective shifts when she discovers a box of mementos left by her father, who died in a car accident before she was born. Guided by her wise abuela, the stories of neighbors, and two new friends, Izzy spends the summer piecing together the identity of a man she's only known as a 'ghost in her heart'. The narrative weaves together the sensory details of New Mexican cooking, local folklore, and a touch of magical realism, as Izzy uncovers family secrets and forges her own identity.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
At the beginning, Izzy is angry with her mom for keeping secrets about her dad. By the end, do you think she understands her mom's reasons? Why is it sometimes hard for parents to talk about sad things?
2
Cooking is very important in the book. How does learning to make tortillas help Izzy connect with her grandmother and her father's memory?
3
Izzy's new friend Mateo tells her, 'Stories are... a way of keeping people alive.' What does he mean by that? What story about her dad was most important for Izzy to learn?
4
Do you think the baseball her grandmother gave her was really magical? Or did believing in it just give Izzy the confidence she needed?
5
Izzy feels like an outsider in the village at first. What specific moments or actions from other characters help her start to feel like she belongs?
