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Part poignant cancer memoir and part humorous reflection on a motherless life, this debut graphic novel is extraordinarily comforting and engaging.

From before her mother's first oncology appointment through the stages of her cancer to the funeral, sitting shiva, and afterward, when she must try to make sense of her life as a motherless daughter, Tyler Feder tells her story in this graphic novel that is full of piercing--but also often funny--details. She shares the important post-death firsts, such as celebrating holidays without her mom, the utter despair of cleaning out her mom's closet, ending old traditions and starting new ones, and the sting of having the "I've got to tell Mom about this" instinct and not being able to act on it. This memoir, bracingly candid and sweetly humorous, is for anyone struggling with loss who just wants someone to get it.

Sydney Taylor Young Adult Book Award Winner
School Library Journal 
Best Book of 2020
YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers List
YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens List

YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Nominee

★ "Sincere but not sappy, this bittersweet and affecting meditation on the author’s experiences also serves as a heartfelt celebration of her mother’s life.” —Horn Book

★ "Feder’s simple art features light pink backgrounds, a diverse cast of supporting characters, and details that make the story feel real . . .  this book offers a wealth of perspective about coping with grief." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "Equal parts celebration, reflection, and mourning, this graphic memoir touches on the unpredictable path of grief . . . Grieving teens will find incredible solace in Feder’s story; all readers will be stirred by this wrenching yet uplifting musing." —School Library Journal, starred review

★ "Feder takes readers along on the nightmare road trip that nobody wants to make in a frank and funny, intimate and poignant graphic novel . . . The narrative, in peppily solid panel art, is exceptionally articulate and accessible." —BCCB, starred review

★ “Grief can be crushing, but this heartfelt memoir will comfort those who have known it and gently show those who haven’t how to help and what to expect.” —Booklist, starred review

"The pastel-toned illustrations effectively convey Feder's youth and the intensity of her emotions while emphasizing the ultimate message of survival and resilience in the face of life-changing grief. Cathartic and uplifting." —Kirkus Reviews

  • Pages: 208 Pages
  • Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
  • Imprint: Rocky Pond Books
  • ISBN: 9780525556350
Penguin Teen