Description

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Suffering from postpartum depression, Emily visits her grandmother to take a break from her life. As she tries to sort through her despair and self-hatred—seeing herself as a worthless teenage girl who abandoned her child—she is befriended by a stay-at-home dad and his son, Pete. Their friendships develop and Emily is able to nurture herself back from her depressive state. Poignant and hopeful, this narrative is told with an acute tenderness and reveals the reality of postpartum depression, the hardships of teenage pregnancy, and how to return to love after a tragic decision.

About the Author

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Joanne Horniman has worked as an editor, teacher, and artist. She is the author of several award-winning books for children and teenagers, including A Charm of Powerful Trouble, Mahalia, and Secret Scribbled Notebooks.

Praise For…

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"This story of a young mother groping her way out of depression is depicted with great sensitivity. Emmy's slow rediscovery of her self-esteem feels very real."  —School Library Journal

"Horniman shines a light of realism on the two sides of the many struggles teen parents face."  —Kirkus Reviews

"Beautifully written, a perceptive and sensitive portrayal of a difficult time in a teenage girl's life."  —YARA

"A sensitive and direct discussion of postnatal depression & a touching and emotional journey."  —Courier Mail

"A warm, serious novel about courage, confidence, and the reclamation of life."  —The Press

"There is a fragility to these characters, so delicately crafted, but so strong in spirit."  —Melina Marchetta, author, Looking for Alibrandi

"One of Australia's finest writers, Joanne Horniman has an exquisite honesty in her words, which observe the smallest details. Every sentence is beautiful and necessary."  —Weekend Australian

"This is a novel that clearly speaks to the heart, with a slow-burning hope at its core. Joanne Horniman is one of the best novelists writing books with big ideas and intimate characters for young people today. An exceptional experience."  —Magpies