Matylda, Bright & Tender by Holly M. McGhee (review)

Fourth-graders Sussy and Guy have been besties since they were six, so when they both want a pet, they decide to essentially coparent. Sussy defers to Guy’s choice of a leopard gecko and she’s a little put out when the creature, dubbed Matylda, seems to have no real affection for her but happily clambers onto Guy. Then, however, Guy dies in a bike accident and a grief-stricken Sussy must figure out how to love their seemingly cranky, indifferent pet. Sussy’s grief is authentically messy, moving from total despair to anger to confusion, both about her future and Matylda’s, and though her moods seem to swing where the plot needs them, she’s still a likable heroine. The supporting cast, however, is made up of flat, completely unbelievable characters, particularly Sussy’s happy-go-lucky parents, who seem in an awful hurry to move their daughter’s healing process along with platitudes and generic reassurance, and Guy’s mother, who only shows up for the exact moment Sussy needs her. This is nonetheless a thoughtful exploration of moving on after loss, and the pet-care element offers an interesting twist.