Grief is a tangible thing, and it affects each person in dramatically different ways. Ever since her sister died two years ago, fourteen-year-old Clementine has not been the same. A darkness has swallowed her, leaving Clementine with a lack of energy and focus that makes others worry, especially after a failed suicide attempt and a series of bad choices at school. Finally, Clementine’s mother decides to enroll Clementine in a camp that is designed for young people dealing with significant mental challenges, but only time will tell if the structure and guidance at camp will help lead Clementine out of her suffocating depression.

This middle grade novel addresses mental illness and depression in a markedly different way than other stories of this type. For much of the book, Clementine is wallowing in her sadness, finding little joy in her daily life and occasionally retreating into herself when things become especially challenging. Raw and honest, this story draws readers into the grittier realities of how it feels to lose a beloved sibling, especially when guilt over earlier behavior complicates those emotions. Readers who have ever experienced severe depression or feelings of hopelessness may require a trigger warning due to the weight of this story, but this presentation likewise makes this book an important one to share with any young reader.

Despite the weight of Clementine’s emotions, the narrative moves quickly and the chapters are relatively short. There are several instances in which Clementine makes forward progress and then reverses course, much in the same way behavior change happens in the real world. Little by little, the truth of Clementine’s feelings come to light, and readers will empathize with her sorrow whether they themselves have lost a sibling or not. Beautiful descriptions also anchor readers in the setting of this story, enhancing the sentiments experienced by Clementine herself. This is a companion to Jude Banks, Superhero, although it is not imperative to have read that book prior to reading this one. Clementine is a book that will resonate especially well with readers who have experience with severe depression or the death of a close family member, and it is an important addition to library collections for middle grade readers.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-ARC of this middle grade novel.

I loved Jude Banks, Superhero and had high hopes for this one. Unfortunately, it fell flat for me. It felt longer than it was and was a little bit of a slog.