First published 2004
Francesca's world is turned upside down when her outspoken, fiery mother sinks into debilitating depression. Suddenly thrust into the role of caregiver, Francesca must navigate a co-ed school, budding friendships, and her own grief, all while trying to pull her mom back from the brink. In this poignant family drama, Francesca discovers that the bonds of love are the strongest medicine of all.
Genres: fiction, contemporary, young-adult, family-drama
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, slice-of-life
Setting: Australia, Sydney (N.S.W.)
243 pages · Hardcover · Knopf Books for Young Readers
Content warnings: depression, mental-illness