I didn't always believe it, but eventually I learned that we can't know what another individual is thinking and feeling. Author Amy Sarig King captures this perfectly in THE YEAR WE FELL FROM SPACE. We may think we know what makes our loved ones tick, what fills their minds and hearts, but all we can really do is be there to listen and to love them as we all deal with often unimaginable issues.
Liberty and her younger sister Jilly's world is crumbling. When their parents announce they are separating, Liberty describes it as feeling that they have fallen from space.
She and her father have shared a fascination with stars and the night sky. Liberty knows all the constellations, but she believes she's sees her own even more amazing shapes when she gazes at the heavens. Convinced that everyone should create their own constellation shapes, she draws maps, many, many maps, to illustrate her belief in hopes that others will find the same pleasure in studying the stars.
It is fitting that when Liberty's family falls apart, she is witness to a meteorite falling to earth. She knows no one will believe her so she keeps her discovery a secret. She manages to get the heavy stone home to her room where she uses it as a sort of therapist. Liberty confides in the stone and asks it for advice.
Life isn't just about her parents' separation and her father's depression and questionable mental health. Liberty is also dealing with bullies at school. At one point a classmate orders all the sixth graders to cease communicating with Liberty. Left to hang out with a fifth grader, Liberty hopes middle school will mean more students from other elementary schools and maybe some new friendships.
Unable to share her feelings with her stressed parents, Liberty's anger builds. Throwing a toaster through the window does get everyone's attention, but it still isn't easy to express her feelings in words. It takes rough times and some shocking discoveries to convince Liberty that talking things out is the best way to deal with her rollercoaster emotions.
Author Amy Sarig King is an advocate for discussing mental health and understanding depression. Her own heartbreaking experience has enabled her to bring this thoughtful book to readers everywhere.
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