Calvin and the Sugar Apples by Inês Oliveira
Summary
Ten-year-old Amelia has always had Calvin, her chinchilla friend, to talk to about her problems. But Calvin is no longer in his cage, and her parents just say he’s in a “better place.” When Amelia and her best friend, Camila, have an argument about Camila’s last-minute decision to perform solo at the talent show, she feels abandoned and hurt. And without Calvin, who does she talk to about her disappointments at school? And who does she talk to about missing Calvin?
Amelia is feeling very unremarkable—an ordinary girl with no talents, no BFF, and no Calvin. But just when Amelia thinks she’s completely alone, a new student arrives, and they begin finding their way together. Amelia learns that it’s always possible to make new friends, that expressing yourself can happen in different ways, and that it all starts with talking it out.
Reaction
Calvin and the Sugar Apples is a poignant story that depicts -- emotionally and painfully accurately -- the plight of a middle school girl who is trying her best to navigate grief, lack of self-confidence, and the beauty (and perils) of tween friendship.
After losing her closest confidante, her pet chinchilla who listened to all her problems, young Amelia feels lost and alone. To make things worse, she has an argument with her best friend, leaving her feeling abandoned… that is until a new student arrives at school and a new friendship is forged.
Oliveira's beautiful writing is both heartwarming and tender, creating rich characters that are relatable and a story that feels authentic to the tween years. It's a wonderfully written story about self-discovery and friendship that will truly connect with middle-grade readers at an age where understanding emotions and finding your way can seem just out of reach.
