Apple and Rain by Sarah Crossan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
For middle and upper middle school students without hesitation. This is a story about family, parenting, sisters, friendship, loyalty, and crushes, but it is really a story about understanding the complexities of family. Apple’s mom left her with her Nana when Apple was just three years old. Apple’s mom returns when Apple is fourteen — a time of turmoil and hormones and friendships and, well, just figuring out stuff while all your friends are, too. It is a quick read without any deep complexities, but woven into the narrative are beautiful poems that help Apple (and readers) reflect on fears, disappointment, and our loves. I knew, right away, into which students’ hands and hearts I wanted to share this story.