
Reach for this book when your pre-teen is retreating into anger or defiance after a significant loss. It is a powerful tool for those moments when a child feels that no one, especially a parent, understands the depth of their grief or their need for independence. The story follows a rebellious girl living on a sailboat who is struggling to navigate the emotional wreckage left by her father's death while clashing with her mother's expectations. Through the lens of life on the water, the book explores themes of resentment, the search for closure, and the healing power of nature. It is developmentally appropriate for ages 10 to 14, offering a realistic look at how grief can manifest as rebellion. Parents will find it a supportive bridge for discussing why we sometimes lash out at those we love most when we are hurting inside.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe protagonist displays rebellious behavior and defiance toward her mother.
Some tense moments related to living on and navigating a boat at sea.
The book deals directly with the death of a parent and the resulting grief. The approach is secular and deeply realistic, focusing on the messy, non-linear nature of emotional recovery. The resolution is hopeful but grounded, emphasizing that while the pain doesn't disappear, one can learn to sail through it.
A middle-schooler who feels 'stuck' in their sadness and has begun to push away family members. It is perfect for the child who finds traditional therapy or 'talking it out' frustrating and prefers to process emotions through solitude or nature.
The book can be read cold, though parents should be prepared for Molly's initial harshness toward her mother, which may mirror real-life tensions. A parent might choose this after their child has had a volatile outburst or has accused the parent of 'not caring' or 'moving on too fast' after a family tragedy.
Younger readers (10-11) will focus on the adventure of the sailboat and Molly's desire to see the dolphins. Older readers (13-14) will more keenly feel the nuance of the mother-daughter friction and the weight of Molly's internal isolation.
Unlike many grief books set in schools or suburbs, this uses the isolation of a boat to mirror the protagonist's emotional state, making the metaphor of 'staying afloat' literal and visceral.
Molly is living aboard a sailboat with her mother and brother, but she is far from enjoying the tropical setting. Consumed by the recent death of her father, she expresses her grief through rebellion and a deep-seated resentment toward her mother's rules. Molly believes that seeing the dolphins her father loved will provide the closure she needs, leading to a journey that is as much about internal healing as it is about maritime adventure.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.