I spent the last two days compulsively reading The Half Orphan’s Handbook. A compelling premise that handles a tough topic with grace and skill. Definite must-read!

An absolutely gorgeous book that tackles grief and healing through compelling storytelling. THE HALF-ORPHAN'S HANDBOOK is set at a grief camp but it is ultimately a story about hope and strength. I was lucky enough to receive and read an early copy. This stunning book is a must for 2021!

I read THE HALF ORPHAN’S HANDBOOK in a single weekend, completely mesmerized by this beautiful story of grief and healing. The summer after her father’s suicide, 16-year-old Lila’s mother pressures her to attend a camp for children and teens who have lost a loved one. The eight weeks that follow are profound and life-altering. Friendships are made, loss is borne with those who can truly understand it, and love is dared. Lila’s journey is so beautifully told. While ‘grief camp’ sounds like it could be a lot of weight for the reader, the camp setting and the shared experience of this marvelously detailed cast of characters somehow help us bear the heaviness of the subject. Joan F. Smith’s balancing act in that regard is remarkable. Humor is injected at just the right times, the prose is lyrical, and the portrayal of new friendships and first loves is pitch-perfect. An absolutely gorgeous story, gorgeously told. I wish I’d had this for my students back in my child psychology days. THE HALF ORPHAN’S HANDBOOK should be in libraries everywhere there are young adults. Many thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for the eARC.

What a powerful book! The concept of a "grief camp" was fascinating to me from the start, and I thought weaving together of all those fun summer camp tropes--embarrassing hazing rituals, dodgeball games, sneaking out late at night--with the heaviness of grief and loss was incredibly well done. I loved the cast of character--especially the adults!--and was struck time and time again by the author's ability to convey the character's grief in such visceral and heart-wrenching ways.