This book is about a young boy who is depressed. He rescues a dog and by finding out that it is possibly depressed, he makes the link to himself. His father is kind and understanding and also suffered depression when his father died, so is able to relate with the boy. The mother bull-dozes through life. Eventually, everyone is able to talk about depression. Even the school bully jumps on board and says he suffers from anxiety. The resolution is all a bit hard to believe… but the intention of the book is good.

The Librarian has recommended it for Year 6. I think a Year 5 would also read it. The subject matter is all a bit sad. I wouldn’t recommend it for Year 4. The language is all good but the topic of depression is so depressing. About 40,000 words long I think. It is a notable book by CBCA in 2023.