Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL, MS - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
10yo Pearl should be excited to start 5th grade, but she's not. Her friends Mia and Rosie certainly are, but something is different this year, and Pearl can't tell what's going on. It seems she's not 4th-grade Pearl, who loved to sing in the choir, tell jokes, and was a good student. This year, she pretends to sing, is sad for no reason, and isn't turning in her homework. Her parents talk to her teachers, and soon Pearl (unwillingly) visits a therapist. Pearl has depression.
A well-written story with age-appropriate situations. I loved Pearl's connection with the Octopus at the aquarium, an animal that is completely connected to its environment, while Pearl struggles to make connections. It was heartbreaking to see Pearl, so young, experiencing depression. 5th graders need to see themselves or build empathy for their classmates in Pearl's shoes. I hope I can get my middle schoolers to read Octopus Moon as there are so many valuable lessons and life connections. Pearl is white.
Lisa Librarian
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