The Weight of Everything

Following her mother’s death six months ago, biracial 17-year-old Sarah Mosley must transfer out of her Austin fine arts boarding school to become the primary caregiver for her eight-year-old brother, Steven, as well as the siblings’ now-alcohol-dependent and unemployed father, who is white. At her new high school, she meets light-brown skinned David Garza, a handsome and caring classmate who catches her up on coursework. There’s an immediate spark between them, but Sarah feels that she must set aside her growing feelings for David—as well as her grief surrounding her mother—to focus on familial responsibilities. When she begins exploring her Mexican and Guatemalan roots for a Spanish language class project, however, the research helps her connect with her mother’s heritage, provides an opportunity to grow closer to David, and opens up new avenues of communication between Sarah and her father. Sarah’s relationship with Steven is an unparalleled bright spot; despite the sometimes overwhelming responsibility of being Steven’s de facto parent, Sarah’s joy in supporting him is palpable. Through Sarah’s tentative steps toward healing, Mickelson (Where I Belong) attentively showcases the mending power of tenderness, patience, and love in this moving read. Ages 12–up. (May)