Concerning & Potentially Concerning Content

The biggest potential concern for Christian parents is that this picture of a response to tragedy is taken entirely through the lens of a family without faith in our loving God who was revealed in Jesus. Besides just making sure that your child is ready for a topic as heavy as the sudden loss of a parent, realize that to see a family struggle, even struggle relatively “well” in the world’s eyes, without the solid foundation of faith in Jesus and the assured hope it brings for the next life is honestly heartbreaking. The tragedy that happens is discussed in some detail and referenced throughout the book. This book is certainly a heavier book than the length and cute cover let on at first glance. Another important concern to bring up revolves around one of the deceased father’s former psychiatric patients. The mother allows this grown man to call their young daughter weekly. This comes across as sweet in the book, but likely falls into the extremely foolish category in real life. The parents drink champagne, but there is no mention of drunkenness. One of the children wrestles with feelings of hate towards the person who they feel could have prevented the accident (though these feelings are addressed later in the book). Finally, some parents will appreciate knowing that there is a somewhat heavy emphasis on dog adoption over the second half of the book, which they may want to avoid if they are already feeling the pressure to add animals to their household.