Seventh-grader Evie is distraught when her strict Catholic parents send her 16-year-old sister Cilla away for getting pregnant. Evie writes to Cilla, who is staying with a great aunt, about her life, her frustrations (particularly at their parents), and about the new girl in school, June. Gradually, we see that Evie is developing a crush on June (who is an atheist), and is scared to tell her parents, for fear she’ll also be sent away. Between what happened to Cilla and her own growing relationship with June, Evie starts to rethink what her parents have taught her about good and bad, sin, and the power of the Church. But Cilla isn’t writing back, and Evie doesn’t understand why—and when Evie tries to find out, it shakes her worldview to the core.
This epistolary coming-of-age novel is beautiful and heartbreaking, as it thoughtfully explores biases, religion, a first same-sex crush, and the relationship between two siblings. It’s not an easy read, and the ending isn’t exactly happy, but the story masterfully shows us Evie’s growing self-awareness and individuality even as it delves into some serious topics. It’s a recommended title, but probably best for the older end of the middle grade range.
