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Maybe It’s a Sign
An uplifting middle-grade novel about loss, luck . . . and deep-dish chocolate chip cookies―perfect for fans of King and the Dragonflies and The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise .
Seventh-grader Freya June Sun has always believed in the Chinese superstitions spoon-fed to her since birth. Ever since her dad’s death a year ago, she’s become obsessed with them, and believes that her father is sending her messages from beyond. Like how, on her way to an orchestra concert where she’s dreading her viola solo, a pair of lucky red birds appear―a sure indication that Dad wants Freya to stick with the instrument and make him proud.
Then Freya is partnered with Gus Choi, a goofy and super annoying classmate, for a home economics project. To her surprise, as they experiment with recipes and get to know each other, Freya finds that she may love baking more than music. It could be time for a big change in her life, even though her dad hasn’t sent a single sign. But with the help of her family, Gus (who might not be so annoying after all), and two maybe-magical birds, Freya learns that to be her own person, she might just have to make her own luck.
In Maybe It’s a Sign , E. L. Shen cooks up a deliciously voicey, comforting family story sweetened with a dollop of first romance, a dash of whimsy, and heaps of heart.
Seventh-grader Freya June Sun has always believed in the Chinese superstitions spoon-fed to her since birth. Ever since her dad’s death a year ago, she’s become obsessed with them, and believes that her father is sending her messages from beyond. Like how, on her way to an orchestra concert where she’s dreading her viola solo, a pair of lucky red birds appear―a sure indication that Dad wants Freya to stick with the instrument and make him proud.
Then Freya is partnered with Gus Choi, a goofy and super annoying classmate, for a home economics project. To her surprise, as they experiment with recipes and get to know each other, Freya finds that she may love baking more than music. It could be time for a big change in her life, even though her dad hasn’t sent a single sign. But with the help of her family, Gus (who might not be so annoying after all), and two maybe-magical birds, Freya learns that to be her own person, she might just have to make her own luck.
In Maybe It’s a Sign , E. L. Shen cooks up a deliciously voicey, comforting family story sweetened with a dollop of first romance, a dash of whimsy, and heaps of heart.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 23, 2024
13 people are currently reading
559 people want to read
About the author
E.L. Shen
3 books59 followersE. L. Shen is a writer and editor. Her debut middle grade novel, The Comeback (Macmillan) is a Junior Library Guild Selection, received two starred reviews, and was praised for its “fast-paced prose, big emotions, and authentic dialogue” in The New York Times. Her young adult debut, The Queens of New York (HarperCollins) is an American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults, a New York Public Library Best Book of the Year, a Junior Library Guild Selection, and a Common Sense Media Selection. Her most recent novel, Maybe It’s a Sign (Macmillan), published on January 23, 2024 and is a Junior Library Guild Selection and a Bank Street Best Book of the Year. Her next novel. Foreigners, is set to publish from HarperCollins in Fall 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
May 31, 2025
Middle grade books know how to tug at your heart without fail!
Maybe It's a Sign is a beautiful exploration of grief and familial expectations. Main character, Freya, is superstitious and looks to signs to assist her in making decisions. She feels compelled to stick with playing the viola in hopes that it will know make her now deceased father proud. After being paired with a fellow classmate in her home economics class, Freya realizes that she also enjoys baking and may want to do that over playing her instrument. Shen does a wonderful job capturing the way that Freya struggles stepping away from what she thinks would make her father happy especially since she hasn't received "a sign" to do so. It's with the help of supportive secondary characters that she's able to make the decision that best serves her. Grief impacts each of us differently, and I think that this is a great example of how, in grief, people will still aim to make their loved ones proud. I loved and appreciated the healing that Freya is able to find by the end of the book especially with the assistance of great friends like Gus. If you're looking for a middle grade book that does an excellent job exploring grief, healing, family, and friendship, then this is one to check out!
Maybe It's a Sign is a beautiful exploration of grief and familial expectations. Main character, Freya, is superstitious and looks to signs to assist her in making decisions. She feels compelled to stick with playing the viola in hopes that it will know make her now deceased father proud. After being paired with a fellow classmate in her home economics class, Freya realizes that she also enjoys baking and may want to do that over playing her instrument. Shen does a wonderful job capturing the way that Freya struggles stepping away from what she thinks would make her father happy especially since she hasn't received "a sign" to do so. It's with the help of supportive secondary characters that she's able to make the decision that best serves her. Grief impacts each of us differently, and I think that this is a great example of how, in grief, people will still aim to make their loved ones proud. I loved and appreciated the healing that Freya is able to find by the end of the book especially with the assistance of great friends like Gus. If you're looking for a middle grade book that does an excellent job exploring grief, healing, family, and friendship, then this is one to check out!
April 13, 2024
4.5/5
January 9, 2024
Every year I vow to read more middlegrade and then I don't, but hopefully this year is different and I'll actually pick up a lot! This one was a great one to start with. It's a tender, heartfelt story about grief and making choices for yourself, and I thought it was such a lovely read. I loved Freya as a main character, and I loved watching her connect with Gus while learning a new hobby.
September 13, 2024
i love when authors notes make me cry
July 24, 2025
ever since her dad died, freya’s been searching for signs that must have been sent from heaven. she decodes them in her head: the pair of red birds that shows up before her viola recitals means he wants her to continue playing, the white headband her sister wears is a bad omen. but is this what her dad truly wants for her?
this book was not easy to read and i can’t imagine how difficult it was to write it. while it deals with hard-hitting topics such as the loss of a family member, it is also a realistic portrayal of a girl whose own expectations hold her back from chasing her dreams. readers will root for freya as she navigates the changing dynamics within her friend group, mends her relationship with her sister and finds closure at the end, making this a stellar addition to any bookshelf. 🤍🏹
this book was not easy to read and i can’t imagine how difficult it was to write it. while it deals with hard-hitting topics such as the loss of a family member, it is also a realistic portrayal of a girl whose own expectations hold her back from chasing her dreams. readers will root for freya as she navigates the changing dynamics within her friend group, mends her relationship with her sister and finds closure at the end, making this a stellar addition to any bookshelf. 🤍🏹
June 11, 2024
This is a book that reflects on childhood grief and trauma in a way that is just so tender and kind. Freya's superstition-intensified anxiety is palpable and heart-shattering, and I felt a great connection to her on her journey. Watching her take those first steps towards healing through connection and taking leaps into new passions is inspired and literally left me in tears by the end. 😭
Sometimes, I find that it's the books intended for middle grade or young adults that are the most impactful and most healing.
Sometimes, I find that it's the books intended for middle grade or young adults that are the most impactful and most healing.
June 5, 2024
Growing up, Freya and her dad bonded over their belief in Chinese superstitions. After his untimely passing, Freya is desperately searching for signs of him in everything, seeking out his guidance. While navigating who she is becoming and what she wants, Freya has a challenging time moving past these superstitions and focusing on her own voice and future.
What a beautiful read about grief, family, expectations, and growing up. It is such common practice to desperately look for signs to cope with immense grief and it can be a soothing way to manage loss, if not taken too far. I loved that we followed Freya on this journey of either staying with the viola, something her dad was passionate about and was heavily involved in, or baking, something new she discovered love for on her own that she didn’t think her dad would have approved of. Growing up, and even well into adulthood and beyond, people often battle with being torn between the choices and wishes their parents or guardians have for them and the ones they make and want for themselves.
I also love the importance of friendship throughout this novel. Gus was probably my favorite character, and having Freya step back and see that not everything is as she has perceived it to be is such an important life lesson that I loved to see in a middle grade world. I loved watching this friendship blossom and how Gus was able to show Freya a passion she didn’t know she had while always encouraging her to do what she thinks is right for her.
I would highly recommend this read to any middle grade readers or readers who love middle grade.
What a beautiful read about grief, family, expectations, and growing up. It is such common practice to desperately look for signs to cope with immense grief and it can be a soothing way to manage loss, if not taken too far. I loved that we followed Freya on this journey of either staying with the viola, something her dad was passionate about and was heavily involved in, or baking, something new she discovered love for on her own that she didn’t think her dad would have approved of. Growing up, and even well into adulthood and beyond, people often battle with being torn between the choices and wishes their parents or guardians have for them and the ones they make and want for themselves.
I also love the importance of friendship throughout this novel. Gus was probably my favorite character, and having Freya step back and see that not everything is as she has perceived it to be is such an important life lesson that I loved to see in a middle grade world. I loved watching this friendship blossom and how Gus was able to show Freya a passion she didn’t know she had while always encouraging her to do what she thinks is right for her.
I would highly recommend this read to any middle grade readers or readers who love middle grade.
March 14, 2024
this book was so cute. granted, it is a middle grade level (MCs are in 7th grade), but the story and characters are charming and it was truly a delight. with a balance of music, baking, and activism, this was an exploration of grief, family, and growing up that i would recommend to anyone who enjoys a quick read!
April 16, 2024
“Combining a dash of wholesome middle school romance, a generous helping of familial support, and a sprinkling of self-made luck, Shen serves up a realistic portrayal of the many ways that grief and healing can take shape in our lives. A hopeful and uplifting tale of loss, self-discovery, and the restorative powers of baking.” [Kirkus Reviews]
January 24, 2024
beautiful, tender, brilliant, sparkling.
dnf
October 24, 2024I picked it just for the cover. It’s so beautiful. But not for me.
August 29, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Freya June Sun had a very close relationship with her mother, a college professor, her father, an accountant, and her old sister, May. After her father's death eight months previously from a heart attack, she finds herself missing him tremendously and looking for signs from him at every turn. He shared many traditional Chinese superstitions with her, and was also tremendously involved with her musical career playing the viola. The big problem right now is that Freya doesn't really want to play the viola anymore. She is supposed to audition for a larger orchestra, but has so much anxiety about performing that she really doesn't want to. When she is on her way to her school concert to play a solo, she sees it as a sign that she should quit when her family is running late and May wears a white head band (white being the color of death), but then she sees a pair of cardinals, which are a lucky sign. She tries to keep on, even when Gus Choi spills a milkshake all over her concert dress after the performance. Gus is irritating, but when the two are partnered in home ec for a final project that includes preparing a three course meal, she starts to see the sweet side of his personality. She also finds that she very much enjoys baking, and finds it calming. In addition to dealing with her ongoing grief, she has to deal with her sister leaving the house in the middle of the night, her two best friends being obsessed with grades and boys, and worries about the family finances that she overhears her grandparents discussing. When a baking competition is scheduled for the same day as the orchestra try outs, how will she decide which path she should take when there isn't a sign from her father.
Strengths: I was somewhat superstitious as a tween, and Freya's magical thinking rings true. After all, if I walk to work in the snow and fully reassemble, down to lipstick, it means we will have a snow day, because I have that sort of control over the universe. Looking for a sign as a way to handle grief is certainly something that many people do. Her conflicting interests between cooking and viola will speak to readers who are themselves torn between choices their parents make for them and what they really want to do. The best part of this, for me, was the sweet friendship between Gus and Freya that was considerate and supportive, and culminates in a sweet kiss on the cheek that Gus asks about before he does. Also, Gus was a spectacular cook!
Weaknesses: Considering the fact that church aunties had told Freya's mom to get her into grief counseling, it was suprising that her mother had not done this. I was shocked that the school still had TWO cooking labs, since ours has been a faculty lounge for twenty years, but life on the east coast is different in many ways, and I was glad to see a home ec class still in existence. (See Fry's Undercover Chef for a good use of abandoned food labs!)
What I really think: This had many similarities to Karen Chow's Miracle and is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Langley's The Order of Things or Polak's For the Record.
Freya June Sun had a very close relationship with her mother, a college professor, her father, an accountant, and her old sister, May. After her father's death eight months previously from a heart attack, she finds herself missing him tremendously and looking for signs from him at every turn. He shared many traditional Chinese superstitions with her, and was also tremendously involved with her musical career playing the viola. The big problem right now is that Freya doesn't really want to play the viola anymore. She is supposed to audition for a larger orchestra, but has so much anxiety about performing that she really doesn't want to. When she is on her way to her school concert to play a solo, she sees it as a sign that she should quit when her family is running late and May wears a white head band (white being the color of death), but then she sees a pair of cardinals, which are a lucky sign. She tries to keep on, even when Gus Choi spills a milkshake all over her concert dress after the performance. Gus is irritating, but when the two are partnered in home ec for a final project that includes preparing a three course meal, she starts to see the sweet side of his personality. She also finds that she very much enjoys baking, and finds it calming. In addition to dealing with her ongoing grief, she has to deal with her sister leaving the house in the middle of the night, her two best friends being obsessed with grades and boys, and worries about the family finances that she overhears her grandparents discussing. When a baking competition is scheduled for the same day as the orchestra try outs, how will she decide which path she should take when there isn't a sign from her father.
Strengths: I was somewhat superstitious as a tween, and Freya's magical thinking rings true. After all, if I walk to work in the snow and fully reassemble, down to lipstick, it means we will have a snow day, because I have that sort of control over the universe. Looking for a sign as a way to handle grief is certainly something that many people do. Her conflicting interests between cooking and viola will speak to readers who are themselves torn between choices their parents make for them and what they really want to do. The best part of this, for me, was the sweet friendship between Gus and Freya that was considerate and supportive, and culminates in a sweet kiss on the cheek that Gus asks about before he does. Also, Gus was a spectacular cook!
Weaknesses: Considering the fact that church aunties had told Freya's mom to get her into grief counseling, it was suprising that her mother had not done this. I was shocked that the school still had TWO cooking labs, since ours has been a faculty lounge for twenty years, but life on the east coast is different in many ways, and I was glad to see a home ec class still in existence. (See Fry's Undercover Chef for a good use of abandoned food labs!)
What I really think: This had many similarities to Karen Chow's Miracle and is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Langley's The Order of Things or Polak's For the Record.
October 8, 2023
Maybe it's a sign is a wonderful grief story. One day the superstitious father of an American-Chinese family passes away leaving a wife and two daughters. Life continues and we get an insight into their family days and struggle through Freya's perspective (the youngest daughter).
In this tale with slice-of-life vibes, we learn that Freya can't let go of her father's habit of attributing symbolism to all. I relate to many of his suggestions (like opening an umbrella indoors brings bad luck also a European thing). The book is very relatable also when it comes to a twelve-year-old grieving her lost father) Many of the superstitions are a great insight into Asian culture common also to Japan, and Korea (example: sticking the chopsticks in the rice bowl).
I love Freya's journey. She is at an age that brings many changes. She struggles to keep up playing the viola because she thinks her father is sending signals to never give up, and reading into more symbolism around her. Her grieving process is possible with positivity from her family that gets closer, her old friends, new friends, and a new passion for baking.
Themes explored: loss of a parent, single mom struggle, dealing with an impatient older sister, sticking to one hobby because of family pressure, finding a new passion in a new interest, making new friends, giving others a chance, self-discovery, and accepting oneself, sense of community and stronger family bounds, grief through symbolism and signs (finding ways to keep the memory of the person alive and close). Asian culture and traditions.
Very beautiful story. This is my first contact with the author's work, but I am curious to see more.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this e-ARC.
In this tale with slice-of-life vibes, we learn that Freya can't let go of her father's habit of attributing symbolism to all. I relate to many of his suggestions (like opening an umbrella indoors brings bad luck also a European thing). The book is very relatable also when it comes to a twelve-year-old grieving her lost father) Many of the superstitions are a great insight into Asian culture common also to Japan, and Korea (example: sticking the chopsticks in the rice bowl).
I love Freya's journey. She is at an age that brings many changes. She struggles to keep up playing the viola because she thinks her father is sending signals to never give up, and reading into more symbolism around her. Her grieving process is possible with positivity from her family that gets closer, her old friends, new friends, and a new passion for baking.
Themes explored: loss of a parent, single mom struggle, dealing with an impatient older sister, sticking to one hobby because of family pressure, finding a new passion in a new interest, making new friends, giving others a chance, self-discovery, and accepting oneself, sense of community and stronger family bounds, grief through symbolism and signs (finding ways to keep the memory of the person alive and close). Asian culture and traditions.
Very beautiful story. This is my first contact with the author's work, but I am curious to see more.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this e-ARC.
December 11, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and Farrar, Straus and Giroux publishers for allowing me to read an eARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
This is the story of 7th grader Freya June Sun. Freya's father died suddenly eight month ago and she is struggling with her grief, anxiety, and new family dynamics. She has become obsessed with the Chinese superstitions her father taught her, and is constantly looking for signs from him to help her make decisions so she doesn't disappoint him.
Things are so different now:
*She no longer finds joy in playing the viola that her father bought for her & her orchestra director wants her to sign up for a countywide competition
*Her mom and sister are constantly fighting, and dad is no longer there to smooth things over.
*Her best friends seem to be spending more time away from her.
*She gets partnered with "the most annoying kid on the planet" Gus Choi for a cooking project.
The more time she spends with Gus, the less annoying he seems. While preparing for their project, she finds that she enjoys baking much better than playing viola, but what about her father's wishes?
This is a story of grief, healing, friendship and finding yourself.
Realistic Fiction with an innocent first romance thrown in.
Content Warnings: death of a parent, anxiety, grief
This is the story of 7th grader Freya June Sun. Freya's father died suddenly eight month ago and she is struggling with her grief, anxiety, and new family dynamics. She has become obsessed with the Chinese superstitions her father taught her, and is constantly looking for signs from him to help her make decisions so she doesn't disappoint him.
Things are so different now:
*She no longer finds joy in playing the viola that her father bought for her & her orchestra director wants her to sign up for a countywide competition
*Her mom and sister are constantly fighting, and dad is no longer there to smooth things over.
*Her best friends seem to be spending more time away from her.
*She gets partnered with "the most annoying kid on the planet" Gus Choi for a cooking project.
The more time she spends with Gus, the less annoying he seems. While preparing for their project, she finds that she enjoys baking much better than playing viola, but what about her father's wishes?
This is a story of grief, healing, friendship and finding yourself.
Realistic Fiction with an innocent first romance thrown in.
Content Warnings: death of a parent, anxiety, grief
January 31, 2024
Just finished this book and--WOW. Shen does an incredible job of placing the reader inside Freya's head. There were so many moments when I forgot I was listening to the audiobook at all. This story balances the grief of losing a parent with the playfulness of being in the 7th grade. The pacing is perfection. There are moments that linger strategically so that the reader can sit a little longer in Freya's feelings while comedic moments happen as quick as a punchline. This story is not only a compelling one, but it is told with a very distinct craft that displays Shen's brilliance as a writer.
As someone who lost her dad at a young age, this story took me back to those days when his absence followed me everywhere. What I wouldn't give to have a friend like Freya with me in the 7th grade. There are several scenes that felt so raw and authentic to me--like they were pulled from my own life and my own experiences. How everyone around me seemed to be moving on while I sat there invisible in my grief. I won't spoil anything, but the movie theater scene lives rent free in my head lol
Highly recommend for any young readers who need a friend like Freya right now. And for anyone who just wants a book that will make you tear up on one page and giggle on the next<3
As someone who lost her dad at a young age, this story took me back to those days when his absence followed me everywhere. What I wouldn't give to have a friend like Freya with me in the 7th grade. There are several scenes that felt so raw and authentic to me--like they were pulled from my own life and my own experiences. How everyone around me seemed to be moving on while I sat there invisible in my grief. I won't spoil anything, but the movie theater scene lives rent free in my head lol
Highly recommend for any young readers who need a friend like Freya right now. And for anyone who just wants a book that will make you tear up on one page and giggle on the next<3
October 2, 2023
"Maybe It's a Sign" by E.L. Shen is a tender story about 7th grader Freya June Sun, who is navigating the usual hurdles of middle school, while still reeling from the sudden death of her dad a year earlier. In an attempt to find meaning in her grief she looks for signs from her Dad, Chinese superstitions that he taught her. She feels her Dad must be sending her messages to continue to play the viola, a pursuit she no longer finds joy in. Her busy mom and activist sister are fighting all the time. And Freya's best friends are growing apart, And to top it off she is paired with her elementary nemesis, the klutzy Gus Choi, for a cooking project. Gus however proves to be a patient and kind friend. Soon Freya discovers that cooking brings her a sense of calm, and that her passion for it, might help her find healing and grow closer to her family and friends. This book would be a great companion read to the middle grade graphic novel, "Measuring Up", which has similar themes of culture, cooking, family and friends.
January 18, 2024
Language: PG (4 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG
Freya’s dad died eight months ago, but the pain is still fresh—especially because Freya (13yo) is struggling to enjoy playing her viola. Her dad loved that Freya played the viola. As she struggles to make decisions moving forward, Freya looks for a sign that her dad is still there. And he shows up—as a pair or lucky red birds.
Through Freya’s story, Shen tells readers it’s okay to not be okay. Another important message conveyed is that finding reasons to be happy and chasing new dreams while the world feels like it’s falling apart are good things. As humans, punishing ourselves for the sake of grief can feel like the right thing to do, even when it isn’t. Using support systems and moving forward with life helps more than self-punishment and guilt.
Freya and her family are Chinese, and Gus and his family are Korean. The violence rating is for mild description of blood and fantasy violence in a movie that triggers Freya, as well as some non-serious mentions of murder.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
Freya’s dad died eight months ago, but the pain is still fresh—especially because Freya (13yo) is struggling to enjoy playing her viola. Her dad loved that Freya played the viola. As she struggles to make decisions moving forward, Freya looks for a sign that her dad is still there. And he shows up—as a pair or lucky red birds.
Through Freya’s story, Shen tells readers it’s okay to not be okay. Another important message conveyed is that finding reasons to be happy and chasing new dreams while the world feels like it’s falling apart are good things. As humans, punishing ourselves for the sake of grief can feel like the right thing to do, even when it isn’t. Using support systems and moving forward with life helps more than self-punishment and guilt.
Freya and her family are Chinese, and Gus and his family are Korean. The violence rating is for mild description of blood and fantasy violence in a movie that triggers Freya, as well as some non-serious mentions of murder.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
December 29, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book. It really moved me and I thought it did a wonderful job with a very difficult topic, grief. While I encourage young readers to check the trigger warnings, I think the topic was handled in such a sensitive and realistic way.
Freya is in the seventh grade. She’s a talented violist but she’s dealing with the unexpected loss of her father. She sees signs all around her and it reminds her of her father’s Chinese superstitions. She thinks that sometimes it’s a sign of something bad about to happen which causes her anxiety and worry.
Freya befriends a kid in her grade and they start cooking together. She discovers a love of baking which helps her through some tough times.
Terrific story that handles grief in a thoughtful manner. Highly recommend!
Freya is in the seventh grade. She’s a talented violist but she’s dealing with the unexpected loss of her father. She sees signs all around her and it reminds her of her father’s Chinese superstitions. She thinks that sometimes it’s a sign of something bad about to happen which causes her anxiety and worry.
Freya befriends a kid in her grade and they start cooking together. She discovers a love of baking which helps her through some tough times.
Terrific story that handles grief in a thoughtful manner. Highly recommend!
May 11, 2024
Since Freya's father died unexpectedly, life has been hard. Freya and her dad shared a special bond through her viola playing and their observance of Chinese beliefs, beliefs that her sister calls superstitions. Freya struggles to find who she wants to be rather than who she thinks her father would have wanted to be. She continues to play because even though practice is joyless, because she thinks that is what he would have wanted. As Freya deals with a sister and mother who fight constantly and new challenges with friends and school, along the way, she finds calm and solace in baking and discovers that her nemesis, Gus Choi, may not be as bad as she had always thought. A story with some uplifting moments.
May 27, 2024
Grief is a hard thing especially when you're in seventh grade and lost your dad. Freya has always been a hard-working viola-playing dutiful daughter and it looking for a sign, in the form of red birds, to tell her what she should do because she's feeling a little aimless. Her older sister is off doing her thing and her mom is trying her best to keep things running smoothly.
Luckily, Freya connects with Gus, who is in a cooking club after they have been partnered in a Careers and Cooking Class. She finds that she's well-suited both for his company and also cooking to help her work through her sadness.
It's a gentle story without a lot of extra excitement, so it's a perfect book for an undiscovered reader that likes an uncomplicated straightforward story about finding yourself.
Luckily, Freya connects with Gus, who is in a cooking club after they have been partnered in a Careers and Cooking Class. She finds that she's well-suited both for his company and also cooking to help her work through her sadness.
It's a gentle story without a lot of extra excitement, so it's a perfect book for an undiscovered reader that likes an uncomplicated straightforward story about finding yourself.
October 5, 2023
A sweet, sensitive depiction of grief and anxiety following the death of a parent. Freya's world feels limited after her father died, and the Chinese superstitions he taught her have become something of a crutch, keeping her from her grief. She's facing changes in her friendships, too, and slowly opens to a new friendship with goofy, accident-prone Gus (who hides secret talents). A gentle read to help younger people feel understood as they cope with big feelings. 3.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you, Farrar Straus Giroux and NetGalley, for providing an eARC of this book. Opinions expressed here are solely my own.
Thank you, Farrar Straus Giroux and NetGalley, for providing an eARC of this book. Opinions expressed here are solely my own.
January 19, 2024
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Facing grief, Freya looks to the signs. She looks to the superstitions her dad taught her to figure out what she should do. Is her dad speaking to her through this language they shared? The superstitions, the ideas, that we think will keep us safe from the things that happen out of the blue. Like heart attacks and lost dads. Freya turns to the signs, even when she isn't sure if they're pointing her in the right direction. There's something universal and relatable about Freya. About being unsure what we should do and seeing something and thinking, "maybe it's a sign".
Facing grief, Freya looks to the signs. She looks to the superstitions her dad taught her to figure out what she should do. Is her dad speaking to her through this language they shared? The superstitions, the ideas, that we think will keep us safe from the things that happen out of the blue. Like heart attacks and lost dads. Freya turns to the signs, even when she isn't sure if they're pointing her in the right direction. There's something universal and relatable about Freya. About being unsure what we should do and seeing something and thinking, "maybe it's a sign".
September 28, 2024
4.5 stars for this realistic contemporary fiction. I didn't want to stop reading this tender first-person account from a Chinese American 7th grade girl whose father died several months ago. This story is about grief, and the family grieving without realizing that's what the problem is. Mom, her high school sister, and Freya gradually realize they need help and learn to get along better and understand each other. Freya also learns to say what's bothering her, to tell the truth instead of saying, "I'm fine." There is sweet 7th grade friendship and romance along the way. The book ends with two recipes of the wonderful treats she bakes in the story. Must try them!
January 29, 2024
I found this book in one of the library webinars for work. I immediately put it on hold and waited for our library to get a brand-new copy.
I cannot express how much I loved this book. The artwork on the cover, the prose, the characters... I cried- some, tears of joy.
This is an amazing story, and it has inspired me to finish my middle-grade/early high school aged book I had begun and never finished. I recommend this for anyone- not just middle-schoolers, though for them, it is the best of all.
I cannot express how much I loved this book. The artwork on the cover, the prose, the characters... I cried- some, tears of joy.
This is an amazing story, and it has inspired me to finish my middle-grade/early high school aged book I had begun and never finished. I recommend this for anyone- not just middle-schoolers, though for them, it is the best of all.
May 5, 2024
I’m not sure how this January 2024 New Release of Maybe It’s A Sign fell onto my tbr but it did and it was an enjoyable story about dealing with grief. Freya June Sun is in seventh grade and since her father’s passing a year ago she believes the two red birds she sees every time she plays her viola are a sign from her father. But the viola is not her passion, baking is and she doesn’t want to disappoint her father. Freya has to learn it is ok to follow her own dreams and be happy.
This is a nice story of ⭐️⭐️⭐️ story of sisters and family.
This is a nice story of ⭐️⭐️⭐️ story of sisters and family.
May 31, 2024
4 stars
Freya has always played the viola, an instrument her father enjoyed. When her father dies unexpectedly, Freya finds herself clinging to his superstitions and "signs" every time she wants to quit playing the viola. Just as she is working up the courage to tell her conductor this, a boy from her grade, Gus Choi, spills his milkshake on her. Another sign! Eventually as everything is changing around her, Freya must think hard about what she needs to make herself happy and still honor her father's memory.
Freya has always played the viola, an instrument her father enjoyed. When her father dies unexpectedly, Freya finds herself clinging to his superstitions and "signs" every time she wants to quit playing the viola. Just as she is working up the courage to tell her conductor this, a boy from her grade, Gus Choi, spills his milkshake on her. Another sign! Eventually as everything is changing around her, Freya must think hard about what she needs to make herself happy and still honor her father's memory.
March 20, 2025
This book explores grief in a realistic, relatable way with the main character holding onto viola performance as one last thing she had with her father. Even though she approaches potential performances on many levels, she does not want to give up since she believes that doing so would irreparably disappoint her father or so she has it made up in her mind. I had a pleasant but not groundbreaking experience with the novel but would still recommend it for middle school students since I find such representations critical for students.
December 19, 2023
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. This is a sweet story that approaches grief and anxiety with a delicate hand. I like how the story started several months after the death. Many stories show the initial grief, but not the ongoing grieving and healing that happens. That’s what I love most about this story. The characters are believable and authentic. I very much enjoyed this book!
January 20, 2024
This is a beautiful book about dealing with grief after the loss of a parent. And searching for signs to help you feel closer to them again.
As our main character navigates her grief we see her struggling with decisions in her life and what to look forward to.
This is a great book for any middle grader who maybe dealing with loss and looking for ways to find hope through the darkness.
Thanks NetGalley for this ARC!
As our main character navigates her grief we see her struggling with decisions in her life and what to look forward to.
This is a great book for any middle grader who maybe dealing with loss and looking for ways to find hope through the darkness.
Thanks NetGalley for this ARC!
April 21, 2024
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.
Full review: https://readingmiddlegrade.com/maybe-...
Full review: https://readingmiddlegrade.com/maybe-...
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