I normally love to recommend this kind of book to my students, but I cannot see myself recommending this.

There are some beautiful themes in here, like resilience and friendship, but the path to getting there just...didn't have any plot? I understand the author wanted to get to CXI for chapter numbers, but the chapter cuts felt pointless and distracted from what little plot was in the novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and Rocky Pond Books for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Alison McGhee’s Weird Sad and Silent is a stunning middle-grade novel that centers on Daisy, a quiet, introspective girl whose journey of self-discovery is both heartwarming and empowering.

The novel beautifully explores themes of friendship, resilience, and the quiet power that can exist within us all. Daisy’s path to recognizing her inner strength is deeply moving, especially as she learns to stand up to bullies and confront the past trauma in her life. McGhee’s writing is poetic yet accessible, weaving emotion and hope into every page.

What sets this book apart is how it reassures readers that even if they feel “weird, sad, or silent,” they still matter—and they have the power to make a difference. Daisy’s growth is a reminder that being different isn’t a weakness; it’s a strength.

The friendships Daisy builds and the moments of triumph she experiences will inspire young readers to believe in themselves. McGhee captures the vulnerability and courage of childhood with such tenderness that adults will likely feel the book’s impact just as much.

Weird Sad and Silent is a must-read for middle-grade audiences. Every ten-year-old deserves to discover their own version of Daisy’s power. The ability to choose kindness is something we all need in our lives.