Gr 5 Up—Sage is a Black girl living in New York City, and at 13, she's an age her best friend will never be. Angel was killed in a hit-and-run accident on her way to Sage's birthday party. Raw, honest emotions mark this novel in verse that explores Sage's grief. However, she is not alone. Great Aunt Ini and new friends from her counseling group demonstrate how not all experiences with death look the same and how healing is not uniform or linear. "Sometimes you go to sleep crying/ and wake up crying/ and that life after losing someone you love/ feels like one big ocean of sorrow/ and you might feel like you are drowning,/ but always there is something/ to hold on to/ to keep you afloat." New romantic interests also offer Sage a chance to redefine who she is and provide an escape from the heaviness of her feelings, which are tested as new challenges unfold. Hand to readers looking for a good cry. VERDICT A heartrending story of grief and resilience with a surprising depth despite a brief page count. A recommended first purchase for all collections serving teens and tweens.—Monisha Blair