Hello, I hope you all are doing well. I’m still catching up with my reviews from the early part of the month and the end of last month. I wanted to let you all know about a recent book I read called Octopus Moon by Bobbie Pyron
Octopus Moon follows Pearl a fifth grade girl who is dealing with depression. The book follows Pearl from before her depression flares up. It also showcase her feelings of being alone, getting help, and learning more about her world.
This book is OwnVoices. Pyron has depression starting in childhood.
Synopsis
Pearl is a girl focused on the aquarium where her mother works. She likes the loggerhead turtles and octopuses especially. Pearl finds it easy to identify with the octopuses. This is because they have many touch receptors all over their bodies and feel everything. She wishes she was more like a turtle with a hard outer shell because feeling can hurt!
The changes that happen at the start of fifth grade leave Pearl feeling off. Maybe it’s something about the new teachers, lockers and being in different classes than her friends that she finds unsettling. But suddenly things that came easy start to become a struggle. Examples of which include schoolwork and hanging out with her friends. Soon even some of her favorite things like running seem out of her reach.
After her parents are made aware of how things are changing for Pearl. Her parents decide to have her meet with Dr. Jill, a psychologist who diagnoses her with depression.
Pearl doesn’t like feeling different however and tries to resist the doctors help. However she’s also tired of feeling bad all the time so she slowly goes over to Dr. Jill’s side trying to do one impossible thing each day.
With the support of her friends and family Pearl starts gaining the tools to work with her depression. While she may not always feel like herself. She now has the tools to not only make change in her life but to help those around her.
Review
This was a novel in verse. Novels in verse are one of my favorite mediums. I feel like it’s easier to get into the characters head in this way.
Pearls story is familiar to me because this is around the age I starting dealing with my first mental breakdown. A book like this would have helped me out some, even though I have a different condition from Pearl.
I especially enjoy seeing books about mental health challenges in kids and pre-teen. This is because I dealt with plenty of mental health challenges in elementary school. I don’t think the subject gets discussed enough.
I’d give the book four stars. I like the format and the way the information is presented. Pearl is easy to identify with and the writer makes you care about her and the things she cares about.
This is a great book for a young person dealing with a mental health challenge. Though it can be heavy at times. I think young readers will find something in common with Pearl. I hope this book helps them with whatever problems they might be dealing with.
Do you have a favorite book that deals with mental health? Share your favorites below in the comments and happy reading
Solara
Rose's Book Garden 