Weird Sad and Silent

Gr 4-6–Daisy Jackson, a 10-year-old mixed-race Mexican girl, can’t stop counting. Ever since her mama’s abusive boyfriend became an ex-boyfriend, she’s counted, all the way to 222 and back down again. Counting helps her feel safe and hidden, but it’s also sparked bullying from her classmates who call her “Weird Sad and Silent.” So, she tries to keep her head down and find happiness in the small things, like the neighborhood’s stray cat and routines; Daisy tries to simply survive. But all that changes when a new boy, unafraid to stand up to the school bullies, joins her class. Maybe Daisy can stop her “invisibilizing” and take her future into her own hands; maybe she can find a real human friend (and an ex-wrestler cat’s trust) along the way. McGhee’s nuanced portrayal of living in the aftermath of trauma is poignant and vital. Daisy’s complex relationship with counting, as well as her compulsions to “pastify” and “futurize” her life provide a medley of sadness and hope for young readers. Her coming-of-age arc from an invisible student to someone who isn’t afraid to take up space is powerful and engaging. McGhee’s simple diction is complemented by her fierce commentary on the strength of differences and self-acceptance, and readers will finish this novel futurizing an authentic life of their own.