PHOEBE OGAWA AND THE ART OF NOT CARING

After her famous singer-songwriter grandmother dies, a Toronto tween dives into her past.

Twelve-year-old Phoebe Ogawa is good at pretending she doesn’t care about anything. It’s easier and safer that way. Last year, in grade six, Phoebe got help from Grandma Yumi on a heartfelt song about the moon that she performed at the school talent show. She poured everything into it, but afterward, she was laughed at by her classmates. Ever since, Phoebe has been too self-conscious to write. As a result, she must complete her unfinished journal project for art class over summer break. Phoebe is also pretending she’s not bothered by her Japanese Canadian grandmother’s sudden passing rather than face painful memories and regrets. When Grandma Yumi leaves Phoebe clues in her will to finding “a secret song,” she finally has material for her art project—and maybe even popularity. Her grandmother’s mysterious note points to her estranged Grandpa Charlie; when he shows up and they start digging into Grandma Yumi’s history, Phoebe discovers a different side to her grandmother. Excerpts from Phoebe’s and Grandma Yumi’s journal entries offer insights into the contrast between their internal feelings and their outward personas. Sincere and humorous, this is a moving story of emotional vulnerability, and Phoebe is relatable in her struggles with grief and relationships.

A moving, heartfelt story of finding the courage to show the world your true self.