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Description
After her father's abuse forces her family into a refuge, Sara finds it impossible to talk about the trauma, even with her best friend Hafsa. Hafsa senses something is wrong when Sara starts canceling plans and ignoring messages, and she presses for answers. As the secret grows heavier, Sara must choose between staying silent and risking the loss of a close friendship, or finally opening up about the painful events that changed her life. Breathe is a middle-grade story that examines the impact of domestic violence, the struggle to confront fear, and the importance of trusted support.
Quick Summary
If you know a kid who's going through anxiety or has a friend who does, this one's going to hit home. Nicole seems like she's got everything figured out on the surface she's got a boyfriend, she seems chill but inside she's struggling to keep her anxiety from taking over. The story follows her as the pressure builds and she has to decide whether to open up about what she's really going through or keep pretending everything's fine. It's a quick read at around 3,800 words, so even reluctant readers can power through it without getting intimidated, and the middle school setting feels real without being preachy. Parents will appreciate that it handles mental health in a way that's honest but not overwhelming for younger middle graders. Fans of books like "Wish" by Barbara O'Connor or stories that explore what goes on behind a friend's smile will probably love this one. It's the kind of short novel that opens up easy conversations about what anxiety actually looks like day-to-day, which is why it's a great pick for book clubs or just for a kid who needs to feel seen.