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“McGhee adeptly balances a candid yet sensitive portrayal of domestic violence and its lasting impacts with a nuanced exploration of self-discovery and the power of friendship. In Daisy, she’s crafted a protagonist with a rich inner life.”

—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

“This is a moving tale of self-acceptance with a heap of tender respect for the quiet, weird, and sad kids everywhere.”

—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

Weird Sad and Silent

Written by Alison McGhee
Published by Rocky Pond Books

Daisy has been working on invisibilizing herself—ever since living with her mother’s violent ex-boyfriend, and now to avoid the school bullies who are targeting her. She keeps a low profile, eating lunch with the librarian instead of in the Lunchroom of Terror and secretly counting whenever she’s anxious.

But things are looking up. A new boy has befriended her and seems able to stand up to the bullies, and the stray cat she’s been feeding is starting to almost trust her. Maybe she can finally focus on futurizing rather than invisibilizing.

Primary ISBN: 9780593859674
Publication Date: May 2025
Available As: Hardcover, Audiobook, eBook
Middle Grade, Age 09 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: Unspecified (North American)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

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