I have *complicated* feelings about this book. But I think that is kind of the whole point of this story. But even though there is a resolution, it left me with a longing for more peace. Which life doesn't always give us. And I think is part of the point. 

This book is very heavy in dealing with the loss of a sibling in childhood. But to add to that there is an over the top cruel bully and a suicide attempt by an adult that add to the extreme heaviness of the story. I think that's why when I finished the book I was still weighed down by the sheer weight of sadness within. There isn't enough of an upswing for me. The bully doesn't get her comeuppance. The adult suicide plot is a side plot in the third act and doesn't get enough of a conclusion, especially for a middle grade novel. 

This book does explore grief in a really interesting and honest way, but I would find it very difficult to press this into the hands of a middle grade reader. I am normally drawn to middle grade fiction because there is always such hope in these stories, but this one didn't give me that same hopeful satisfaction.

I will say the prose is lovely in this novel. The descriptions of nature are vivid and the way poetry is weaved into he narrative flows nicely. 
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This is a middle grade book that deals with some heavy topics. Depression, suicidal thoughts, child drowning, and bullying/blackmail are all found within. 

Thanks to Shadow Mountain for a copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.

Elements of this book: Montana, Latina main characters, Sibling loss (drowning), School choir, Bullying, Counseling through trauma, Friendships, Community, Set in March