Calvin and the Sugar Apples

A relatable early reader that taps into important life lessons about friendship, grief, and talking through feelings.

“A sensitive and rich children’s novel—a thoughtful, warm reflection on overcoming loss and embracing change.” —Foreword Reviews

Ten-year-old Amelia has always had her chinchilla, Calvin, to confide in. But now Calvin is gone, and her parents say he’s in “a better place.” Without her fuzzy companion, Amelia struggles to process the big feelings that come with losing a pet, missing the school talent show, and drifting from her best friend. Who is she supposed to talk to now?

Just when Amelia feels completely alone, a new classmate arrives, and things slowly begin to shift. Set in a charming seaside town in Portugal and paired with tender black-and-white illustrations, Calvin and the Sugar Apples is a lyrical and heartfelt middle grade debut about healing, friendship, and finding your voice.

Here’s why readers love Calvin and the Sugar Apples:

• EMOTIONAL HONESTY: A gentle and relatable story that helps kids process grief, loss, and change with sensitivity and warmth.
• A HEROINE TO REMEMBER: Amelia is awkward, curious, and full of heart—an unforgettable narrator with a voice that rings true.
• FOR HOME AND CLASSROOM: Ideal for read-alouds, SEL curriculum, or any child going through big feelings or shifting friendships.
• CULTURAL DEPTH: A vivid Portuguese setting offers a refreshing global backdrop for a deeply personal story.
• ART THAT CONNECTS: Includes 15 expressive black-and-white illustrations that draw readers into Amelia’s world.

A perfect pick for readers ages 7–10 and a must-have for any family or classroom shelf, Calvin and the Sugar Apples reminds us that healing begins with honesty—and that new friendships often blossom when we least expect them.