Octopus Moon
Coming March 25th in hardcover and audiobook!
A deeply moving middle grade novel in verse about a girl struggling with depression when she starts fifth grade amidst a sea of changes.
Ten-year-old Pearl has always been sensitive and, as her parents say, “moody.” And she worries about everything! Still, she’s always been able to keep the darkness at bay by running, being with her friends, and skateboarding with her best friend, Rosie. That is until the start of fifth grade. With all the changes coming up, she can’t seem to outrun her depression and anxiety. Like a riptide, her illness pulls her far away from all the things good and light in her life. Will Pearl be able to find her way back to solid ground?
In this tender novel-in-verse, critically acclaimed author Bobbie Pyron draws from her own experiences to tell the story of a brave girl learning to take care of and love herself.
March 2025 | Nancy Paulsen Books | 9780593616291
Inspiration
Like Pearl, I too struggled with depression and anxiety as a child. My parents and teachers said I was “moody” and “too sensitive.” Back then, it rarely occurred to adults that a child could be depressed. And there were certainly no books that portrayed a kid like me. I wanted to write Pearl’s story to help kids with any kind of mental illness feel less alone. I also wanted readers who don’t struggle with depression and anxiety to have a window into what that world is like for their friend, classmate, or family member.
Praise
“Pearl’s resilience, hope and bravery shine like her namesake.”
—Booklist
“Perceptive, instructive, and hopeful.”
—Publishers Weekly
“A full-bodied and authentic exploration of living with depression.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Octopus Moon shines with resilience, hope and kindness. Oh, how I wish I’d had this book when I was a kid!”
—Newbery Award-winner Katherine Applegate
“Pyron weaves a story with heart, compassion, and authenticity. From the first page, Pearl is a character you want to hug.”
—Barbara O’Connor, author of the New York Times Bestseller WISH
“I have so many feelings about this necessary, honest, B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L book. I love Bobbie’s poetry. Buy it, read it, share it!”
—John Schu, author of the New York Times Bestseller LOUDER THAN HUNGER