Things You Can’t Say is about Drew. Drew is 12, and he’s in that in between stage of growing up. He has a lot going on: a psuedo-job in the Children’s room in the library and a new coworker name Audrey, his dad committed suicide three years ago, his best friend Filipe is acting too cool for him, a weird man is visiting his house. It’s a lot for one summer.

I would recommend this middle grades novel, and I’ll probably be purchasing it. I think it touched on some deep issues with out being too grown-up.

Sometimes the books that deal in “heavy” subjects will drag. Not this one. Yes, Drew the main character has a lot to think about, beginning with his concern that he will be like his father who appeared happy, but committed suicide three years ago. His best friend Felipe seems to be moving his friendship from Drew to a fellow member of the basketball team. Drew is a volunteer at the library and never fails to impress the younger set during story time. The bad news is a new volunteer, Audrey, is now assigned to the children's department with him. The good news is she isn't comfortable with children, so no competition there. He is committed to helping his mom around the house, mowing the lawn, cooking, and entertaining his little brother, but the a mysterious motorcycle riding guy, Phil, arrives and seems to be taking over the lawn, cooking, and housekeeping. He also appears to be a good friend of his mom. With all his concerns about his Dad, he begins to consider that Phil might be his Dad. This is a fast paced character driven story that realistically addresses one family's response to the suicide of a loved one, and definitely belongs in every library.

This is such a lovely read. Drew is really struggling with losing a parent to suicide. When a mysterious old friend of his mother's comes to stay, he's beset by questions about his family. Bishop handles this tender story with great skill, drawing us into a very real and painful growing up that ultimately ends on a satisfyingly positive note.

Tackling a taboo topic such as suicide, Jenn Bishop does a phenomenal job letting readers see the effects of Drew's father's suicide at 12 years old. Drew comes to terms with his father being more than a suicide when his mother's long-time friend comes unexpectedly to stay for a few days. Drew also finds solace in the library where his mother works and spends the summers helping with story time when a new girl Audrey invades his space. She becomes an unlikely ally as Drew searches for truth to who his father is. The emotions Drew has from anger, frustration, and confusion are so genuine that you can't help empathizing with him. This would be an excellent summer read for kids.

While this story may be a little heavy for some, and a trigger for others, it was a beautifully told story of dealing with the suicide of a parent. Kids all cope in different ways, and this book shows that wonderfully. Things You Can't Say should be on shelves for all kids to read and process.

I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

This was a well-written, character driven middle grade novel that was hopeful, sad, and funny. Drew is dealing with a lot in his life, including a father who committed suicide over three years ago, a mysterious old friend of his mom's, and friendship drama. I really enjoyed the family dynamics; it was realistic and showed growth. As a librarian I enjoyed Drew's volunteering at his local library for the summer. I would hand this to upper middle grade readers looking for character-driven realistic fiction books.

Drew’s voice was fantastic. A few paragraphs in, I knew I was with a real kid. His is an experience many more kids have lived through than seen in a book—this book has been needed for a long, long time, and will not stop being needed. Read from a digital ARC via #edelweiss

There are many books that address grief in middle graders. We don't often get books about suicide. Its often considered a taboo subject among adults, much less children. And that's what makes this book important. Because a kid dealing with a parent's suicide can feel very alone, at an age where we can already feel isolated. We see this protagonist's increasing distance from his best friends, responsibility towards his mother and brother, having to grow up in ways that he's not emotionally prepared to handle. Add in a secret and his whole view of his family shifts, adding anger and guilt to his already complicated emotions. It's a rough but straightforward emotional journey.

A thoughtful novel about a boy dealing with the long-term aftermath of his father's suicide. Uplifting where it could have been dark, hopeful where it could have been depressing, Jenn Bishop does a skillful job of carefully navigating the delicate path for readers of this age. The serious topic was handled appropriately and the book was sensitive and empathetic to its main character - and its reader.

After the death of his father, Drew moved on, concentrating on helping his mother run this new family dynamic. Now, after three years, his anger and confusion toward his father is starting to fester. On top of that, the other relationships in his life are starting to stretch and bend, just as new ones are forming. He has so many questions, but who will he turn to when he needs help?

This book was such an enjoyable read; I could not put it down! You will root for Drew the whole way! I highly recommend for libraries and classrooms with grades 5 and up.

Thanks to the author, Simon Kids and Netgalley for an early peek!

This fantastic middle grade explores family and friendship in a touching and engaging way. Drew is an instantly relatable character. Bishop handles the topic of suicide in an age-appropriate and sensitive way. Highly recommend this title for young readers who like moving explorations of family.

“Dad doesn’t do anything anymore. He stopped being anything at all— my father, a little league coach, a storyteller, a dentist, everything—when he killed himself.” <b>**</b>

Since the death of his father, Drew has a lot of thoughts that he feels he can’t tell anyone. Like how angry he is at his dad and that he’s afraid he might turn into his dad.

Drew has started working at the public library because he can’t bear being home alone. Happily, his puppet performances, like <i>Zombie Goldilocks,</i> are a hit with the kids and he has become quite popular. This is coming at a good time for Drew, because he and his best friend, Felipe, seem to be drifting apart.

Joining him at the library this summer is a girl named Audrey, who is great at technology but seems to be afraid of kids. Though hesitant at first, Drew and Audrey strike up a friendship. Drew feels like he can say things to Audrey that he can’t to Felipe.

When a man shows up at their house on a motorcylce one day looking for his mother, Drew isn’t quite sure what to think. This man seems to know who Drew is. Who is this Phil? Wouldn’t their mother have mentioned that she was dating someone? And the next thing Drew knows, his mother is telling him that Phil will be spending some time with them. Just who exactly is this man? Drew has his suspicions, but the only one he can really talk to about it is Audrey. Why is it so hard to talk to his mother about how he feels? Is that what his dad felt, too?

A wonderful story about a topic not often tackled in middle grade fiction. Drew’s confusion and the impact that it has on his relationships gives the reader a window into a world most kids never have to deal with. A simple statement from his grandmother puts the burden of responsibility squarely on his shoulders. “I took her at her word. It was my job, mine, to keep everything together. No one was going to swoop in and save us. It was on me.” And as Drew learns to express his feelings with Audrey, he begins to heal.

<b>Quotes taken from an Advanced Readers Copy</b>

I have not come across a middle grade book that deals with suicide. This is a tough subject but Jenn does it wonderfully and this book could be really helpful to those students that might be dealing with that issue. I'm looking forward to getting this one for my library.

I received this ARC from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review?

Drew is a wonderfully sympathetic main character. His summer has been turned on end by a new girl encroaching on his children's room at the library, his friend growing distant, and the arrival of Phil - a friend from his mom's past. This was a book that went by quickly, and ended in a way that made sense for Drew and for the reader.