Summary: Maybe It’s A Sign
Freya’s doting father was really into Chinese superstitions until he died suddenly several months ago. Now a 7th grader, Freya lives by the same superstitions her dad did as a way to keep him close. But when they start to impact her ability to live a full life, she has to reconsider how much control she’s giving them. Also, she and her dad shared a love of the viola, but lately, she’s been feeling less enthusiastic about it, developing more interest in her Cooking & Careers class, where she’s forced to partner with the (to her) ever-annoying Gus Choi, whom she soon starts to see in a different light.
The Good
This is a slower-paced story with a standout voice and compelling side characters. Freya is sorely missing her father, especially since her mother and sister, May, are constantly bickering. May is more interested in activism, and her mother would rather she focus on school. Freya has a good group of besties who look out for each other and banter quite a lot during the story, and though they have to navigate some friendship issues too, but have an overall healthy friendship.
I enjoyed seeing how Freya’s interests evolved during the story. With her dad, she’d always been into music and playing the viola—very well at that. From a family that doesn’t cook, Freya begins to fall in love with baking and more out of love with the viola. Kids need to know that it’s okay for their interests to change over time as they gain more self-awareness and define their preferences. I liked that Freya’s anxiety about disappointing her dad was well-addressed.
Grief plays a major role in this story, but it is not sopping sad. The author weaves in Chinese superstition with the red birds, and ultimately, Freya realizes that she has more power over her life and choices than the superstitions she was holding on to. Finally, this is a great one to hand to kids who love a side romance, as Gus and Freya develop a sweet young romance that adds levity to the story.
Maybe It’s a Sign is a touching story about letting go and moving forward after loss, discovering new interests, and the belly-fluttering experience of first love. With nods to Chinese culture, a moving exploration of father-daughter love, and a family adjusting to the loss of a loved one, this is a memorable story for young readers.
Star Rating
Content Notes
Here are some specifics to know about the content.
Content Warnings
- Death: Freya’s death is mentioned and described on page
- Alcohol/substance abuse: None
- Sexual content: Tweens exchange a kiss on the cheek
- Violence: None
Diversity
- Ethnic: Most of the main characters are Asian American
- Sexual orientation: None
Recommended for ages: 10+
Good for Kids Who Liked:
- Miracle by Karen S. Chow
- Father-daughter stories
- Books with a touch of romance
- Stories about Chinese culture
- Touching stories
Publisher Details
| Publisher details | Farrar, Straus, and Giroux (BYR) |
| Author: | E. L. Shen |
| Illustrator: | N/A |
| Publication date: | January 23, 2024 |
| Audiobook? | Yes, Libro.fm |
| Page count: | 240 |
| Cover artists | Designer: |
Buy This Book
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