This is a lyrical, deeply moving novel in verse. Ten-year-old Pearl Graham lives near the Gulf of Mexico with her parents and older sister, Laurel. She loves running, marine biology, and hanging out with her friends, Rosie and Mia. But fifth grade brings unwanted changes and Pearl struggles to cope. She has a mean voice in her head that tells her she’s stupid, and a failure. Some days she doesn’t feel like eating or even getting out of bed. Eventually Pearl is diagnosed with depression and begins to see a counselor named Dr. Jill.

I really love this book. Novels in verse are usually hit-or-miss for me, but this one was definitely a hit. Pearl is such a sweet character and I was rooting for her the entire time. Rosie and Mia are both wonderful and supportive, and I love that they actually act like kids and not mini teenagers! Pearl also has a special bond with her grandfather, who frequently experiences headaches that confine him to his bed. When Dr. Jill explains that depression can run in families, Pearl wonders if her granddaddy suffers from the same illness.

However, not everyone in Pearl’s life is understanding. Rosie, who lives in a trailer with her grandmother, tells Pearl she has no reason to be depressed. Pearl feels guilty and hurt, but Rosie quickly comes around and admits she’s always wanted to be like Pearl and thinks her life is perfect. Pearl’s father also has a hard time accepting her diagnosis. He thinks depression is the same thing as being sad, until Pearl tells him that it’s just as real an illness as his asthma.

Later, when her maternal grandparents come to visit, Pearl overhears her grandmother, Shirley, saying no ten-year-old should need therapy, and that depression is just a fad. Her mother quickly shuts this down, but it’s Pearl’s father who says exactly what she needs to hear. He tells Shirley that therapy is hard work and that he’s proud of Pearl. I loved seeing his growth in just a few chapters! There’s a good message in there that not everyone will understand what you’re going through, but the people who matter will stand by you no matter what.

Overall, this is a wonderful book that I would recommend to readers of all ages. Marine biology seems to be a popular topic in MG fiction lately, so I’m sure that will appeal to a lot of kids. This would be an excellent addition to an elementary school library or classroom. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

Octopus moon by Bobbie pylon is an excellent novel in verse, truly one of a kind In this unique and niche genre, my favorite entertainment, and it was honored in this story excellently.

Excellent novel-in-verse about Pearl, a quiet 5th grader, nervous about starting school. Mom calls her a worry wart. Pearl is hard on herself calling herself a loser and stupid. Mom wants her to see a therapist, and Dr. Jill tells Pearl she has depression and that she will help Pearl finds ways to feel better and find joy in life again. Pearl realizes she needs to take steps to get through depression and that she will have bad days but they won’t last forever. Dr. Jill tells Pearl she is brave and to ask for help takes bravery. It was heartwarming to see Pearl’s friends show support and be there when she needed them.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.