A sensitively written and deeply moving novel in verse, Octopus Moon stood out especially to us for its portrayal of a therapist-child relationship., which you don't often see in middle-grade fiction (Rebecca Stead's List of Things That Will Not Change being another standout here), and for the positive coping tools offered by her therapist Dr. Jill. Middle graders struggling with their own depression and difficult emotions will find it poignant and helpful.

I really liked that this showed a younger character (10/11) since I don't come across a lot of books for that age. I also thought it was great to show a character so young get depression and that she learned it is not her fault and it doesn't matter that her life is "perfect". And it was super frustrating to read that her own father didn't even believe she was sick.

I hope this changes, but in the ARC I read when Pearl describes the therapist's office the first time, she mentions a cat laying among tiger lilies. Those are super toxic to cats.

Rosie and Mia unfortunately began to blend together for me. They both had issues with their moms which didn't help.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

CW: stroke, hospital, depression, vomit

This is a deeply moving middle grade novel-in-verse about a young girl navigating depression at the start of fifth grade. Pearl is having a usual summer…until she isn’t. Lately, more and more, she’s overcome by feelings of anxiousness and depression, feelings she cannot control and cannot escape. When all her usual techniques to cope are exhausted, Pearl finally realizes she deserves some help. As Pearl navigates through her journey, we learn what depression is and what it could potentially feel like, how the supportive figures in our lives can both help and hinder progress and some concrete techniques that can support our mental health. Every person who has ever experienced depression needs to read this. Every parent, caregiver and educator needs to read this. Every human needs to read this. It’s a mirror, it’s a window, it’s a sliding glass door, it’s everything. Thank you for writing this, Bobbie.

Outstanding middle grade novel in verse! Bobbie Pyron tells the story of fifth-grader Pearl and her struggle to understand her emotions and to be honest about them with her closest friends and family. Pyron does a masterful job of telling the story of Pearl's depression diagnosis and treatment, as well as the varying reactions of her friends and family. A well-done piece that could serve as a support and eye-opener for middle schoolers and their loved ones!

This book is a wonderful addition to any collection, particularly in regard to mental health. The reader is able to see the progression of depression, which is a beautiful story arc for young people and adults working with them. I see a wide range of audiences -- middle grade readers, counselors, teachers, parents, friends -- all will benefit from reading this book.

"It means if you want to get out
to the other side where things
are better...
you have to take the steps to get there.
You can't stand still or
pretend depression is something else...
And you can't hide away."

I really fell in love with this one. Fifth grade was such a hard year for me, so I really resonated with Pearl, especially when she described herself as "an octopus...There is nothing between me and the world." This story does a fantastic job modeling concrete steps kids (and adults) can take to combat mental illness challenges faced in conditions like depression, to model being active while also acknowledging the unique and legitimate struggles they face. As a neurodivergent person with a neurodivergent spouse, I resonated with the daily struggles, as well as the hope that even in the difficult, there can be good days, growth and beautiful things. I love the encouragement of "I slip 'maybe one day' inside my heart/ and enjoy now"--advice my husband and I try to implement, too. I loved the generational depression representation, and how the story shows others struggling around Pearl--and that she grows to be brave enough to pull out of her shell and encourage them, too. A fantastic mental health and novel in verse read for all ages!

Hope. This middle grade novel in verse is about a 5th grade girl who is dealing with depression. Pearl enjoys watching the loggerhead turtles and octopuses glide through water at the aquarium. And although she wants to be more like a turtle with a tough shell, she finds it easy to identify with the octopuses who have millions of touch receptors and feel everything. Pearl tries her best to pretend everything is fine, but then she starts to struggle with things that used to come easy. After a parent-teacher conference, her parents bring her to Dr. Jill who diagnoses her with depression.
I hope kids will see this as a window book that they can begin to understand some of the things that other students may be dealing with. For other students it may be a tender, mirror book that leads them to seek help and understand their own feelings.

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.