Spending the summer with her mother’s old friend, twelve-year-old Miranda tries to uncover the mysteries behind her mother’s past and to understand why her mother seems so distant. But will she be brave enough to face the truth she might uncover?From Kirkus reviews: Miranda’s grandparents on her mother’s side have always been a secret, one of the many mysteries that lie between her and her elusive mother. The summer before eighth grade, Miranda is mired in a web of fears and anxiety. The fabric connecting her and her mother feels threadbare.
Her mother, a freelance photographer who travels the world, always appears so fearless. But she is distant, and Miranda is desperate to uncover what she must’ve done to make her mother always choose to leave her.
When a great career opportunity arises for her mom to go to Argentina while her lawyer dad is preparing a big case, Miranda has no choice but to go to August Isle in Florida, and stay with one of her mom’s old friends who has a daughter her age. Why has Mom never visited the place where she grew up? Finally, she might be able to answer her questions.
This is a great read for kids around 10-12. They’ll empathize- and possibly relate to-Miranda’s fears and frustrations. The undercurrent of mostly unspoken conflicts are an excellent source of material for discussion. I recommend reading this before your child/grandchild. Miranda’s painful character arc will speak to many kids.
And to adults! It spoke to me!
Have you read this book? I’d love to hear what you thought!
No, Sue, I haven’t read it but two things intrigue me. First, learning more about Argentina. Second, the family secret. Right now I’m reading Dani Shapiro’s INHERITANCE which also deals with secrets. It’s a memoir and she learns through a DNA test that the man she knew as her father wasn’t her father.
Sounds like a great read! I’ll put it on my list.
This sounds like a great read for children. I think books are a phenomenal way to introduce some of the conflict that they will have to learn to face as they go through life in a safe way, giving them the chance to start to work on much needed skills. Thanks for sharing.
So true! Thanks for stopping by!
This sounds like a very good book! Someone I know was looking for books for their 12 year old, I’ll definitely suggest this to them! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Glad I could help!