HEY JUDE

Penny’s life hasn’t been her own since she started caring for her sister, Jude, but everything starts to change when she meets Jack.

Their mother works night shifts as a nurse, leaving high school senior Penny to pick up the slack. Her life revolves around Jude, school, and work. Penny isn’t complaining, though; she loves Jude and recognizes how challenging it is for Jude to cope with her depression, particularly since it has been only one year since Jude attempted suicide. Penny seems to have it together until she meets cool, handsome Jack, who gives her butterflies all over. With everything going on in her life, Penny is torn between wanting to be there for her sister while also having a life of her own. The book talks about suicide, depression, gender, and sexuality in an appropriate, honest, and sensitive manner. The main characters each have a strong character arc that is explored to the fullest despite the short length and accessible vocabulary. The author’s passions for diversity and mental health come across. Main characters are cued as white; Jack is brown-skinned and there is ample LGBTQIA representation. There are multiple mentions of suicide and suicide attempts.

An emotionally layered book with accurate insight into mental illness, ideal for reluctant readers.