Dear Rosie by Meghan Boehman and Rachael Briner is a tender story about loss, grieving and how everyone is different, but we all need someone to talk to. The story is realistic and relatable, as are the characters. The adult me was prepared for a bunch of spoiled kids doing dumb things and really wondering how they will make it. But after I finished both my adult and kid selves had fallen into deep like with them. They were believable and I could see myself doing some of the things they did.
After the death of their friend Rosie, Florence, Claire, Gabby, and Millie try to hold onto their friendship, their normal and themselves. But not only are things different, but each girl is, too. Not just because Rosie is missing from their circle, but they are growing up. One is moving. One has an online boyfriend, and they all need something to hold onto, to try and not lose the one thing they felt kept them together, Rosie.
The coming of age/middle school theme comes together with the added story of the loss of a beloved member of the characters’ friends group. The illustrations are soft, but good, strong colors. The details are minimalistic but also are not slacking. Things all work together. The way Boehman and Briner handle the difficult subject was respectful and good for most ages (though there are some areas that a sensitive reader might not be okay with). Probably best for ages 10 to young 13/14, it is not a “pick up and have a good time with me” book, so a casual reader might not enjoy it. Know the audience, which will include we adult readers.