Reading Metrics
Description
Through a series of letters written to a post office box, twelve-year-old Cadence describes her father's hospitalization for depression, her subsequent problems at school, and her hope that the mysterious recipient will help her find a happy ending.
Quick Summary
Cadence has a lot on her plate she's dealing with her dad's hospitalization for depression, school drama, and feelings she doesn't quite know how to handle so she starts writing letters to a mysterious post office box, hoping someone out there might have answers. The epistolary format makes this feel really personal, like you're reading someone's actual diary, and Cadence's voice is funny and honest in a way that pulls you in right away. If your kid has ever dealt with a family member's mental illness, or even just knows someone who has, this book gives them a character who gets it and doesn't shy away from the messy feelings that come with it. It's also a great pick for kids who aren't into typical narrative stories and might gravitate toward journals or letters, kind of like a modern version of "The " (wait, that's not right) more like how "The Great Brain" has that authentic kid voice. Parents should know it tackles some heavy stuff with real sensitivity and ultimately lands on a hopeful note without being preachy about it. It's a quick read at under 30,000 words, so even reluctant readers can finish it without getting intimidated, but it sticks with you longer than its size suggests.