Octopus Moon

by Bobbie Pyron

A deeply moving middle grade novel in verse about a girl struggling with depression when she starts fifth grade amidst a sea of changes.

Pearl loves watching the majestic loggerhead turtles and octopuses glide through the water at the aquarium. Pearl finds it especially easy to identify with the octopuses, who have millions of touch receptors all over their bodies. They feel everything. Sometimes, Pearl wishes she was more like a turtle, with a hard outer shell—it hurts too much to feel everything.

And the changes at the start of fifth grade don’t feel good to Pearl at all. New teachers, lockers, and being in different classes than her friends is unsettling. Pearl tries her best to pretend she’s fine, but she starts to struggle with things that used to come easy, like schoolwork, laughing and skateboarding with her best friend, Rosie, running and even sleeping.

After a disastrous parent-teacher conference, her parents decide to bring Pearl to Dr. Jill, who diagnoses her with depression. At first Pearl is resistant to Dr. Jill’s help; she doesn’t like feeling different, but she also doesn’t want to continue feeling so bad all the time. When Dr. Jill asks Pearl to try one Impossible Thing each day, like running, skateboarding, or walking her dog Tuck, she decides to try. For each impossible thing she attempts, Pearl puts a bead on a string. Bead by bead, and with the support of family and friends, Pearl finds her way back to herself. She discovers just like the moon is always there in the sky, even if it isn’t full, she’ll always be herself even when she doesn’t feel whole.

In this tender novel-in-verse, critically acclaimed author Bobbie Pyron draws from her own experiences to tell the story of a brave girl learning to take care of and love herself.

Genres: Middle Grade, Mental Health, Realistic Fiction, Poetry, Novel In Verse, Contemporary, Fiction

336 pages, Hardcover

First published March 25, 2025

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having a mental illness can feel like you're an octopus. Not that you've got multiple tentacles, although I'm sure some hentai author could have a blast with that, but because octopuses don't have any sensory barriers between their hypersensitive suckers and the rest of the world. They feel everything, and that's what mental illnesses like anxiety and depression can feel like. Pearl develops depression when she's ten, and she can't make sense of the way her world has so suddenly changed. This book is about her exploration and understanding of what it means to be clinically depressed and how to navigate it.

Although Pearl feels more seventh grade than fifth, this still does a phenomenal job of capturing what it feels like to grapple with an invisible illness. At one point her therapist remarks that it would be easier if Pearl had her arm in a cast, and that parallels what I remember telling my mother when I was thirteen - that it would be easier if I used a wheelchair because then people would believe that there was something wrong with me. Pearl's journey is difficult but relatable, and the author mentions in her afterword that she wrote this because it was the book she needed when she was ten.

I hope that it's able to help the children (and adults) it needs to reach. Being an octopus isn't all bad once you learn to cope with it.

[Jennifer Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Octopus Moon is a middle grade novel-in-verse about the important, but often overlooked, topic of mental health in children. The main character, Pearl, experiences depression and anxiety and throughout the book she has to deal with many common stigmas related to mental illness. I think that this book is a must-read for parents, caregivers, and educators that work with young children because it can lend some insight into what depression and can anxiety look and feel like. I also appreciate that this book is presented in a verse format, which makes it more accessible to the readers that may need it the most.

I thought the title of the book, Octopus Moon, was an interesting one, but as I read the story I understood why that title was chosen (a great talking point for parents or educators that read this book with students). One of my favorite aspects of this book was how the relationships of the characters progress over time. Of course Pearl was the main character, but we also got to see quite a bit from her parents, grandparents, sister, best friends, and therapist. The side characters added a lot of depth to the story and made it so many different perspectives were represented, so I feel like many young readers will be able to relate to at least one of the characters in some way.

Overall, this book is one that I would highly recommend to young readers. I'm so glad that more authors and publishers are working to incorporate mental health into books for the middle grade audience and this one presents so many opportunities for adults to begin conversations with young readers. I also appreciated the way that the author shared her personal experiences with depression and anxiety in the author's note...I think that this element will help young readers understand that the story isn't entirely made up and that they're not alone in their thoughts and feelings.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for the opportunity to review an eARC of Octopus Moon!

[Nilo0 · Rating 4 out of 5]

یه کتاب عمیق و تاثیرگذار درباره دختربچه‌ای به نام پرل که دچار افسردگی می‌شه
دختری که شاده اما بدون اینکه خودش بدونه، ناگهان حس‌وحالش عوض می‌شه، چیزهایی که همیشه باعث شادیش می‌شدن، خوشحالش نمی‌کنن، وقت گذروندن یا دوست‌هاش رو کم می‌کنه و توی حالتی فرومی‌ره که حتی یه روزهایی بیرون اومدن از تختخواب و مدرسه رفتن هم براش سخت می‌شه.
کتاب درباره ارتباط پرل و دوستاش در مدرسه و خارج مدرسه و همچنین ارتباط پرل با خانواده و پدربزرگ و مادربزرگشه که گویا پدربزرگش هم همین مشکل افسردگی پرل رو داشته اما فقط با عنوان سردرد توصیف می‌شه. طوری که انگار به زبون آوردن افسردگی تابو باشه برای برای کسی به سن پرل، اما در طول کتاب کم‌کم به اهمیت توجه به سلامت روان و کمک گرفتن از روان‌درمانگر پی می‌برن.
پرل علاقه زیادی به موجودات دریا و اقیانوس داره. صدف، اختاپوس، لاک‌پشت دریایی و دنیای قشنگ زیر آب.
کتاب در عین ملایم و تلخ بودن، بسیار زیبا و عمیقه و موضوع افسردگی از تجربیات کودکی خود نویسنده‌ست که کسی رو نداشته که درکش کنه و درمان شه و سعی داره به بچه‌ها یاد بده از والدین یا افراد امن مدرسه مشاوره و کمک بگیرن و اشکالی نداره اگه حالشون خوب نیست و در نهایت به این نتیجه می‌رسه که زندگی با بیماری روانی یعنی قوی بودن و شجاع بودن، یعنی فراتر از بیمار بودن.

برای کودکانی که شاید دچار افسردگی شدن، می‌تونه کمک‌کننده باشه که با این حس کنار بیان و شجاع بمونن.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for June '25 mental health theme (Children's Books group).

I'm a harsh judge of the novel-in-verse format. Here it works, in that the book would not have had the same impact or tone in prose. I'm not sure I'd call it poetry, exactly, though.

More importantly, this book is both a perfect fit for the theme, and a wonderful book for those kids (and families) who don't know that depression is an illness just like asthma or diabetes, and is not just 'extra sad.'

I love that others' perspectives are given here, for example the father, grandfather, and Rosie, have very different reactions to learning that Pearl is getting help from a therapist, but both learn what those of us who do suffer wish everyone would understand.

I love, too, that Pearl is not the only one of her friends facing challenges; she can't afford to be 100% self-centered (which of course is good for her). And I love that there's no HEA. But it's certainly not a depressing book! Nor even a sad one! So much love, joy, hope....

Toolkit includes (to sum; read the book for context and, if possible, find a good therapist for yourself):
"Depression lies."
Admit that you need help, and talk to family & friends, and name what you feel.
"Therapy is hard." Be proud of yourself for getting it.
"Getting out of bed and taking a shower when it feels impossible is just as important as running to the beach. That act of doing anything that feels impossible deserves a bead."

Btw, I have experienced depression myself and this book would have helped me. However, I do have a caveat that, at the beginning, I didn't quite believe in it. I think maybe depression comes upon different people differently, and also maybe I never recognized the early symptoms in me.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having recently finished “Octopus Moon” by Bobbie Pyron, I am happy to have had the chance for the Advanced Reader’s Edition e-copy; thank you NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group/ Nancy Paulsen Books.

“Where did my hard turtle shell go? The one I could hide in and not feel Everything.”

I loved the beautiful and peaceful moments in Pearl’s favorite place: The Gulfarium- Denizens of the Deep exhibit. Ms. Pyron’s story takes us to Crescent Beach, Florida and time spent in 10 year-old Pearl’s other world, a world full of changes, depression and anxiety. Surrounded by family, friends and a caring therapist who helped her to know that:

“Depression will tell you things about yourself that are not true.”

Pearl began to understand that having a purpose, using techniques and knowing where her Happy Place was, would begin to help her heal from the struggles and dark times in her life.

The Author’s Note includes a personal message and is full of resources and words of encouragement for those needing support as they begin the process of learning how to feel better.

[Caitlin DeMara · Rating 5 out of 5]

octopus moon is the book I needed in elementary school through high school. the way that Pyron puts the deepest feelings and experiences of depression into a beautiful flow of words of unmatched. I am so grateful this book exists and recommend ALL ages read it.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Depression lies. It lies to Pearl when it tells her that she is stupid, she can’t run, her best friends Rosie & Mia don’t need her, and fifth grade is too hard so she should just go back to bed. It also lies to her Granddaddy and sends him to his dark bedroom with a “headache” and to Mia’s mom making her pull the curtains closed and making it another microwave night for the family.

Bobbie Pyron’s STAY, a 2020-21 Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee, focused on homelessness and bipolar disorder and absolutely touched my heart but OCTOPUS MOON has grabbed onto it and held on. At times, Pearl’s heartache made my own heart hurt. Pyron’s gift of words, expressed often by comparing Pearl to the sea animals she loves will clearly give readers a sense of the overwhelming sadness that both children and adults can feel when coping with depression. As in STAY, there is hope that shines through the sadness and for Pearl, that comes in the form of parents who seek help for her with Dr. Jill, a counselor arming her with tools to manage her illness plus two friends who are learning about depression alongside her, a sister who loves as unconditionally as the parents and even a teacher who rejoices in Pearl’s small victories. Powerful language conveys an equally powerful message that sometimes sad is not just a fleeting feeling and help is possible.

Highly recommended for grades 3-7 with text that is free of profanity, sexual content and violence. Mental illness in both children and adults is represented as are various family configurations and economic strata.

Note to caregivers, teachers & librarians: Encourage readers not to skip Bobbie’s Pyron’s end notes on her own experience with depression.

Thanks, Bobbie Pyron and Penguin Random House, for the print arc to review.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fantastic look at what it means to struggle with your mental health! Also i just really like aquariums and sea creatures so this was amazing!!! 🐚🌊🐙🐢

10/10 my favorite middle grade that’s coming out soon!

[Makayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

*still crying* it was so good. a perfect depiction of what depression feels like, the stigma around it, and how hard it is to get the help.
also 10/10 fun animal facts

[Jenn]

DNF. Not for me.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Octopus Moon was an absolutely stunning story of a young girl who develops depression and has to learn to live with it. Pearl has always been a worrier, an anxious child, but when she starts 5th grade her anxiety begins to be debilitating and she no longer has the energy to do any of the things she used to. Her grades start to slip, she begins to lose friends, and that voice inside her head is just plain mean.

This book is going to be such a powerful read for students, not only those that are in the beginning stages of depression, but for all students that may know someone that is struggling. As Pearl begins therapy the reader also learns signs and tactics for how to deal with the down days. Her friends and family learn what it means and how to help her deal with it or give her space, depending on what she needs on that day. Honestly, this was just a beautiful and moving story.

This book is already on my 100% must buy list for next year's school budget and I have convinced a few teacher friends to buy it for their classrooms.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who’s experienced depression and anxiety growing up, I could relate with Pearl and what she was going through her struggle with battling both anxiety and depression. I think that if I’d read this as a child, it would have been helpful to know there were other kids out there struggling with the same problems. And that depression shouldn’t be something to be ashamed of, and to talk to someone about it. Thankfully, I only struggled with anxiety as a child and didn’t have problems with depression until I was an adult. I can only imagine dealing with both as a child! I really liked how her therapist worked with her and helped her find some tools to help her get through things, whether currently or for in the future. The string of beads, putting one bead on a string for each ‘impossible’ thing she managed to do each day, is something that I can easily see as a useful tool to help children, and maybe even adults. I can also see myself, in a depressed state, thinking how stupid and useless doing it is. But, that’s part of depression and what it does to you - it lies. I’m considering trying some of Pearl’s tools for the future when I might have a depression period, despite being well for quite some time. I hope those that can get help from this book, will find it in their library and enjoy it. I can also understand how reading something like this can cause some people anxiety or make them depressed, just based on the subject matter and it being a sensitive topic because it might bring on the “what ifs.” So, if unsure, try reading it at a time when things are good. And little bits at a time, as needed.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful Middle Grade novel in verse (my favorite!) about the realities of depression. The depiction of mental illness is so authentic and raw that I knew immediately the author knew firsthand about this topic. This is a book I wish I’d had as a pre-teen, and not only will I be adding it to my 3-5 library collection, but I’ll also be sharing it with the school counselors in my life.

I also loved that this book took place near my hometown! The depictions of the friends and family in Pearl’s life felt, once again, so real to me. Not only does this book talk about Pearl’s struggle with depression during her 5th grade year, but it also tackles some of the common misconceptions that others have regarding mental illness. If someone in your life struggles with depression, this book is an excellent window into what they deal with on a daily basis. It shows what a support system should - and should not - look like, and it even tackles generational trauma, all while appealing and relating to a young audience.

[Stephanie Affinito · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a deeply moving middle grade novel-in-verse about a young girl navigating depression at the start of fifth grade. Pearl is having a usual summer…until she isn’t. Lately, more and more, she’s overcome by feelings of anxiousness and depression, feelings she cannot control and cannot escape. When all her usual techniques to cope are exhausted, Pearl finally realizes she deserves some help. As Pearl navigates through her journey, we learn what depression is and what it could potentially feel like, how the supportive figures in our lives can both help and hinder progress and some concrete techniques that can support our mental health. Every person who has ever experienced depression needs to read this. Every parent, caregiver and educator needs to read this. Every human needs to read this. It’s a mirror, it’s a window, it’s a sliding glass door, it’s everything. Thank you for writing this, Bobbie.

[Shella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would rate this a higher 4. You can tell this is an #ownvoices author. This is an excellent introduction to the topic of depression. For children that have never experienced depression, this story could help build empathy. If people have others in their lives that have depression or experience themselves- this title has a lot to offer. I appreciated how the author showed hope, but at this and time coveys therapy and coping with mental illness is a process. I enjoyed all the periphery character- Pearl is blessed with a wonderful family and supports. I thought novel in verse was appropriate. Done well, I don’t get upset with that style of writing like many reviewers. This reminded me a bit of Louder than Hunger- just for a younger audience.

[Holly Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pearl is lucky and…not. She is surrounded by a loving family and true friends. She has deep passions and a poetic voice. She has many examples to follow and even some not to. And as she discovers she has a mental illness that interferes with all the things that make her so lucky. Yet, she has a therapist to guide her. Many passions to help her through and so much love.

I wish there had been more direct references to suicidal thoughts and how to address them. We recently lost a middle school student to suicide, so it is a real thing.

[Cynthia T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you @NetGalley for the ARC. This book is a novel in verse and it was beautiful. I loved Pearl so much and felt all her feels. I have depression since I was in middle school but did not know what it was till college. I loved how her parents got her help fast, even though dad was not fully on board. Having her grandfather suffering from depression shows how it can be hereditary and that not everyone knows how to deal with this disease.
This book should be in every school library, well done Bobbie Pyron.

[Lisa Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I think this middle grade book did an excellent job of addressing depression in a way that is understandable for the intended age. Although it looks long, this is a novel in verse and was a very quick read. This would make for a great group/buddy read/book club - it would make for a great discussion as well as helping kids understand their own mental health issues as well as helping them understand how they might best support their friends as well.

[Ashley Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so great for kids with depression and/or anxiety. I love how it normalized therapy, mental illness, and unexpected feelings. It also talked about the challenges kids may face when friends and family members don’t understand. I’d highly recommend this book for 4th-6th grade students and their families!

[Alli Buff · Rating 4 out of 5]

A touching novel-in-verse about a young girl battling with the beginnings of depression. This story flowed beautifully and covers such important topics- accepting therapy and help, family stigma against mental illness, and self-acceptance. I can’t say enough good things- EVERY library for middle graders should have a copy of this book. Thank you to the author for this important work, and thank you to NetGalley for the ARC copy!

[Beth Given · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The moon is always full
even though you may not always
have that same brightness.
You're still whole."

Pearl loves to run, loves her family and friends and Granddaddy and her dog, loves turtles. But then the things she loves don't seem to prompt the joy she once felt, and she feels lost.

This novel-in-verse for tween readers is based on the author's experiences and models healing through therapy in a realistic way. This book could be a lifeline for kids with mental illness, but also important for kids (and even adults) who want to support someone with mental illness.

[Danielle Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a touching look at childhood depression. I also really appreciated the setting - even though the author changed the name of the town, I could tell this was based on Fort Walton Beach, FL because of the Gulfarium and because I recognized other things from living there.

[Ann Herrold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute YA novel. It made me tear up with its depiction of a supportive family and friends.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent portrayal of a kid with depression. Great supportive family and friends. It is admittedly, the best possible situation and therefore provides hope.

[Rachel McMahon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book was powerful- one of the first I’ve seen with a younger girl diagnosed with depression. It was so well written!

[Joy Kirr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I probably won’t remember the title of this one when I tell someone about it, but I did appreciate this version of what depression can be like. I learned some things, and some were new, and I think any ten-year-old would benefit from reading this - for multiple reasons. My favorite relationship was the one Pearl had with her granddad.

[Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was incredible. What a beautiful, necessary, and moving book. My child, therapist, and adult heart is so full.

[Elizabeth Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic novel in verse that examines depression in a child. I thought the way that the author captured the MC's feelings was authentic and vulnerable.

[Christiana Doucette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how Octopus Moon follows Pearl into her struggle with depression. As Pearl struggles feeling unable to reach the surface, unable to enjoy the things in life she previously took so much joy in, she begins to realize that a dear family member may have a similar struggle. As she finds help, and shares with friends and family her experience, her journey through depression helps others see the depression plaguing their loved ones, too. And the whole community is affected for good. Talking about mental health struggles can be so hard. But I love how Octopus Moon shows that decreasing stigma around speaking up can spark a chain reaction of others also seeing their need for help, and getting that help. The image system throughout was lovely. I enjoyed the aquatic facts, and Pearl's attachment to the aquarium, and helping ocean life flourish. Beautiful!

[Jillian Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Pearl is beginning fifth grade with a lot of anxiety about all the changes. When she no longer finds joy in hanging out with her friends or running with her dog, her inner voice starts to speak negatively to her. Pearl's parents notice a change with her but it isn't until parent teacher conferences that they realize there is something big going on. Author Bobbie Pyron does a wonderful job addressing the delicate issue of depression in children. Her author's note at the end is a must read. Kids need this book in their life, to promote empathy or to see there is hope and "the best way out is always through."
Thank you to NetGalley for an Advanced Reader Copy.