so-soMcBride weaves a beautiful story about perseverance. The fantastical elements were not my cup of tea; however, I could see many YA readers enjoying this book. My favorite part of McBride's novel is the final message that one is never alone. Mental illness is often a struggle behind closed doors, but there is always someone rooting for you. I would love to include this novel in my classroom library and recommend it to my whimsy-loving students.
June was an amazing reading month! Looking forward to more of the same in July. ☺️ #JuneMonthlyWrapup #Bookly
(June 30, 2025)
McBride's novel appeals to so many students with her characters. Mental health conditions and prejudice against black kids are at the forefront of the novel, but are not overwhelming for adolescent minds. These issues are not sugarcoated, yet they are not made too graphic for YA readers. McBride's novel encourages adolescents to learn about issues which, in turn, encourages them to use their voices for change.
I have been captivated by the structure. Much like my students, when I open a book, I expect lines upon lines of words thrown onto the page. However, McBride's structure provides an air of whimsy, making the book itself seem like a journey. I think it would be cool to take excerpts from this book and pair them with other texts to highlight different styles of writing while bringing awareness to mental health.
pickRecommended by my favorite librarian. Started off slow and I didn‘t think I would get through it. Then it suddenly picks up and I couldn‘t put it down. A weird, surrealist, fantasy book about choices and regret.
I did appreciate the ending of this novel. I felt like there was a lot of buildup to the final plot point and the discovery of the siblings. The symbolism in the forest and the way they rewrote the story was very powerful and teaches readers how to take control of what is causing them stress. It wasn't all good and it wasn't all bad. Representative of real life and the struggles people go through.
McBride did a good job at positioning mental health in a digestible way that is easily understandable for younger readers. Depression was not tip-toed around nor glorified. McBride also weaved in racial identity with mental health in a powerful way that deserves recognition. Combined with the fantastical setting, this book is a classic young adult literature novel that holds moral value and entertainment for younger audiences.
I'm going to be honest- I did not connect with this book. It was well-written but it is not a book I would particularly choose to read in my own time. It was interesting considering it was written in verse and a good example at that. I think that listening to the audiobook did shape my overall experience. At some points the audiobook worked well and others I was wishing I had a physical copy. Although the book was not my speed I see the appeal.
pickI loveeed this book. I think the connection between Whimsy's magical world and her emotional reality was beautifully done. The way McBride uses fantasy elements like fairies, forests, and spells to explore topics like mental health, trauma, and healing made the story feel both whimsical and authentic. Whimsy‘s journey felt both very personal and poetic, and her bond with Faerry was one of the most touching parts of the book.
