With a steady, introspective hand, Callender’s perceptive debut explores the reverberations of mental health challenges and suicide. . . . Lucy’s fierce and funny narration sensitively captures her frustration at feeling undervalued as well as her longing for connection. As she and her mother work to understand each other’s perspectives, somber text emphasizes the difficulty—and necessity—of rebuilding following the death of a loved one. It’s an aching portrayal of mourning and resilience that eschews easy answers for nuanced depictions of loss and its effects.
—Publishers Weekly

This book flows well and paints an authentic portrait of grief and mental health issues.
—School Library Journal

This heartfelt look at teen suicide explores the road to recovery, emphasizing the important role of familial and peer support. Debut author Callender’s strong pacing and voice transport readers into the world of her clever, self-aware lead. A complicated topic handled with tenderness.
—Kirkus Reviews

This challenging story of loss is lightened by the hope and optimism of protagonist Lucy as she pursues peace amidst genius and grief.
—Booklist

Although there are strong emotions at its core, this is not fundamentally a sad book. Henry’s death comes halfway through the novel, allowing plenty of room for the complicated sibling and family dynamics and Lucy’s school adventures and dramas to drive the story. Lucy is a compelling protagonist and narrator, simultaneously naive and wise, and skillful pacing keeps readers moving through the pages.
—The Horn Book

Lucy is a highly personal narrator, recognizable to any kid who has to hold things together in unbearable circumstances, and her moments of fracture . . . are made even more heartbreaking in the shadow of adults who are too caught up in themselves to parent. Fortunately, a strong support system builds over the course of the novel. . . . Callendar brings nuance to Lucy’s parents but ultimately prioritizes her strength; there’s no perfect ending here—but there is hope.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books