Hello Sunshine

Gr 9 Up–When Noah returns from a Christian summer camp hoping to find out why Alex, with whom he has a secret relationship, ghosted him, he’s alarmed to learn that Alex has been missing all summer after a disturbing episode involving a knife. Noah joins Alex’s belligerent twin brother and Alex’s friends to figure out where he is. Nothing can prepare them for the truth: Alex has inherited both witchcraft and mental illness from the boys’ late mother and is trapped in a demon-filled limbo between reality and illusion. Young’s book is a resolute look at a teen’s first psychotic episode and how frightening it can be. What is real, what is magic, and what is hallucination? A dense, heartrending read, it provides a glimpse into the world of someone experiencing undiagnosed schizoaffective disorder. It also introduces a warm and sympathetic cast of characters who loves Alex unconditionally and is willing to do what it takes to help. Both the story and the artwork deftly walk the line of supernatural happenings versus mental illness, and the book never leans too far in either direction. The periodic reveal of Alex’s playlist lays out an excellent soundtrack, and Young’s author note gives further context for the story.