Aubrey buys a pet fish to give her life purpose

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Mary Ann Gallagher

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Love, Aubrey

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Written by Suzanne LaFleur

$17.99 / Random House

Recommended for ages 11 - 14.

The life of 11-year-old Aubrey will never be the same. A tragic accident kills her father and brother. Despite her mother's mysterious disappearance, Aubrey is brave and thinks she can make it on her own. She scavenges all of the money from her sock drawer and purchases enough canned pasta and vegetables to last a few days. She even buys a pet fish, Sammy, to keep her company and to give her life purpose. When the phone rings, she doesn't answer. There is no one she wants to talk to.

Eventually Aubrey's Gram, who has been calling daily but to no avail, figures something is not right. She arrives by train to find Aubrey all alone in the home she used to share with her Mom, her Dad and her younger sister, Savannah. Immediately, Gram takes Aubrey back to her home in Vermont. There they work to make things right and figure out where Aubrey's mother may be.

Upon arrival at Gram's house, Aubrey is quickly greeted by Bridget, a sweet girl who has just moved in next door. Although at times it is hard for Aubrey to see how "normal" and happy Bridget's family is, given what she herself has just gone through, the two girls soon develop a lovely friendship. At school Aubrey spends time with the guidance counsellor and fortunately makes another new friend in Amy. Amy encourages Aubrey to write letters even if she never mails them. Aubrey begins writing to her sister's imaginary friend, Jilly, and eventually to her Dad. This process helps Aubrey immensely in her recovery process.

This moving novel by first-time author, Suzanne LaFleur, stayed with me for days after finishing it. Although it deals with death, the characters in the story are beautifully portrayed and will make you wish they were your friends.

Mary Ann Gallagher owns Benjamin’s Books in Rothesay. Discuss books with her by visiting www.benjaminsbooksbanter.blogspot.com.