SYNOPSIS

Fern’s parents work hard to keep the family’s diner and ice cream shop from closing down.

Fern’s older brother, Holden, is bullied at school while her older sister, Sara, ridicules his sexuality.

Dad forbids Holden’s friendship with an older boy, and mom prefers to spend time alone.

The youngest sibling, 3-year-old Charlie, is cuddly, creative, wild and in love with his main caretaker, Fern.

And Fern feels isolated and lonely both at home or at school, save for her two friends – Ran and Cassie.

An accident results in a concussion for Charlie which, unattended, takes his life overnight.

Overwhelmed by guilt, the parents struggle to support the kids in their grief.

It is Sara, the oldest, who helps Holden and Fern find joy again and in the process breaks some rules.

Not all ends well – but eventually, mom and dad remember to re-focus on family.

PERFECT AGE 11 – 14

We love

• Fern is brave and wise; she stands up to her brother’s bullies – young and old – and supports Holden with tenderness.
• Sara’s transition from a sulky teenager to a thoughtful, deeply caring older sibling is both surprising and hopeful.
• Beautiful, jarring and rarely portrayed-in-books depiction of a child’s grief for a lost baby sibling – the voicemail recording, lying in Charlie’s room, are so heartbreaking and tender.

WATCH OUT FOR (Language, Big / Sensitive Topics, Outdated Concepts):

• Homophobia (in words and actions), death of a child, older sister sneaking around to make out.

CONVERSATION STARTERS

• Fern’s dad has some embarrassing ideas to advertise the family business. How have your parents embarrassed you in public in the past?
• What traits make Fern and Ran good friends? Which of Fern’s personality traits do you relate to most?
• Holden is reticent to share with his family his feelings toward boys – what do you think he may be nervous about?
• How does Sara’s attitude toward her siblings change after Charlie’s death? What may have motivated her? How do they respond toward her?