4.5/5

A wholesome and informative book. This middle grade book would be a great resource for learning about many things in an organic and interesting way.

The Good:
- A very diverse cast of characters: LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, disability, religious views. The author did a great job of making the character so varied yet not in a forced way.
- The discussions about miscarriage and pregnancy issues were brilliant. I am a midwife and anything that breaks down taboos about this subject is brilliant. Children should be exposed to the concepts and this book does this well.
- The trials of friendship as a kid/early teen really rang home. 
- Grief is a central theme of this story and different characters process it differently.
- There are some parts of this book where adults impart wisdom to Hazel and honestly, I wish an adult in my life had said those things to me as a kid. 

What could have been better?:
- Occasionally Hazel's attitude to life was really grating and brought me out of the story.

A brilliant book that would make an excellent addition to an older child's bookshelf.