Review Detail

"Calvin and the Sugar Apples" by Inês Oliveira is a tender and poignant story that delves into the complexities of grief from the perspective of an 11-year-old girl named Amelia. The narrative centers around Amelia's struggle to cope with the death of her beloved chinchilla, Calvin. In her refusal to accept Calvin's death, Amelia becomes isolated, grappling with typical childhood issues such as changing friendships, family concerns, and school pressures.

Oliveira expertly portrays Amelia's emotional journey, offering readers an intimate look at how a child processes grief and learns to accept that life doesn't always go as planned. The slow pace of the story serves to emphasize the difficulty of this journey, making Amelia's eventual growth and acceptance feel earned and authentic. This deliberate pacing, however, might be better suited for more mature readers who can appreciate the deeper themes of the story.

Amelia is a relatable character for middle-grade readers, embodying the struggle of being caught between childhood and adolescence. Oliveira skillfully captures this liminal stage, making Amelia's experiences and emotions resonate with readers who may be negotiating similar challenges. Amelia's mother also plays a significant role, highlighting that adults, despite their best intentions, don't always have the right answers. This adds a layer of realism to the story, acknowledging the imperfections and uncertainties that come with parenting.

However, from a middle-grade reader's perspective, some aspects of the story might become tedious and frustrating. The frequent repetition of Amelia's thoughts and feelings, while realistic in its portrayal of a child's persistent focus on a particular issue, risks losing the attention of younger readers.

To enhance engagement, the story could benefit from more scenes where Amelia takes active steps to alleviate her feelings of grief. While inner dialogue is important, a balance with external actions might have made the story more dynamic and inspiring for its intended age group.

Overall, "Calvin and the Sugar Apples" is a thoughtful and heartfelt exploration of grief and growth. Despite its slow pace and repetitive elements, it offers valuable insights into the emotional world of a middle grader dealing with loss.