This gentle novel thoughtfully explores grief in all its complexity, particularly the difficulty — and necessity — of finding a way to live with the aching hole left by loss and accept uncertainty. THE QUESTION OF MIRACLES is a quiet, character-driven story: It begins after the major dramatic moment in Iris’ life and follows her as she tries to figure out who she is without her best friend at her side.

The main character, Iris, is warm and smart, the kind of kid anyone would want as a best friend, but she’s uncertain of her footing without Sarah’s reassuring presence. She deliberately keeps the world at bay, unready yet to risk letting anything new into her heart. Without sermonizing or offering easy answers, writer Arnold offers comfort by showing how the crucible of grief, as with any major life change, can lead to renewal and growth. Thoroughly entertaining and thought provoking for middle graders, girls as well as boys.