Mori writes this story of a twelve-year-old Japanese girl growing up alone, trying to make sense of a tragedy that makes no sense at all, who ultimately learns to give value and meaning to a seemingly hopeless situation. Yuki Okuda deals with her mother's suicide and tries to learn how to live with a father who doesn't seem to love her and a stepmother who treats her badly. Most important, she has to learn how to live with herself.
"Lyrical...A beautifully written book about a bitterly painful coming of age."—Kirkus Reviews
