OCTOPUS MOON

Karissa Vacker strengthens this audiobook with her depictions of sadness and confusion as fifth-grader Pearl sinks into depression. Vacker captures the dismal messages in Pearl's brain, nasty communiqués from mean inner voices. Vacker also depicts caring family members and friends who note Pearl's changed behavior and worry. Vacker conveys Pearl's healing with the aid of a counselor, Pearl's grasp of her situation, her courage, and her deep connection with her beloved grandfather, who also suffers from depression. The audiobook is woven with lyrical metaphors of the sea, the loggerhead turtles Pearl loves, and the octopi she relates to--all of which reflect the story's Florida setting. Though written in verse, it sounds like prose. Resources are listed in the afterword. S.W. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2025]