"You deserve to exist. If you didn't deserve to exist, then you wouldn't exist. You don't need to feel bad for living, beloved child."

How in the world are more people not talking about this book. Like, we know that Kacen Callender can write (see King and the Dragonflies or Felix Ever After), but this was just so beautiful and lyrical and has the potential for making so many kids feel seen. There are so many gut punch lines (like the one at the beginning of this review) that I kind of want to go buy my own copy just to highlight it.

Anyway, the premise of this book is Moon is a Black, nonbinary child who is severly depressed. Each night, they travel to a spirit realm, where they wish they could stay forever. Honestly, Moon is a child you're just going to want to give a hug to. They are based on Callender's own childhood, and everything about their portayal just feels so accurate and real.

There's such an emotional depth to this book as well. You can feel Moon's struggle with depression practically dripping off the page. Even if you're not someone who has struggled in the same way, Callender puts words to it in only the way that they can.

All in all, if you want a book that is going to hit you right in the heart, pick this one up. You won't regret it.