Book Review: Missing Okalee

Book Review with Lauren

Missing Okalee by Laura Ojeda Melchoe is a story about a little girl, Phoebe, who feels competitive with her sister, Okalee. Okalee seems to be perfect in every way, and Phoebe is frustrated that she is constantly compared to her little sister, despite them being each other’s best friend and biggest supporter. When a tragedy takes Okalee’s life and Phoebe is the only witness, Phoebe is torn about telling the truth about her involvement or possibly having her parents not love her anymore. As the truth slowly comes out, Phoebe’s internal struggle deepens as she tries to navigate this new life without her little sister.

This book is heartbreaking, but the author grabs your attention right from the start and you won’t be able to put it down! Although the story line is a little predictable for adults, it hits the right notes for YA and middle-grade readers. I did love the details and seeing Phoebe’s journey of friendship and doing the right thing. The author does a wonderful job of making these characters come to life and helping you visualize each part of the story. As I was reading, the character's emotions felt very real and very relatable. A real tear-jerker, but a great read!

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Here's the back copy:

When compared to her nearly perfect little sister, Phoebe Paz Petersen feels she doesn't measure up in her parents' eyes. Okalee is smart and beloved for her sunny disposition, which makes it hard for Phoebe to stand out in their small town in Montana. But if she can get picked for the coveted solo in the school choir, she'll stop being a middle-school nobody and finally get her chance to shine.

Despite her sister's annoying perfection, Phoebe actually loves spending time with Okalee. They have one very special, secret tradition: River Day―when they hold hands and make their way across the cold, rushing Grayling River, to celebrate the first hint of spring. This year's River Day crossing, however, goes horribly wrong, and Phoebe's world is suddenly turned upside down.

Heartbroken and facing life without Okalee, Phoebe is more determined than ever to sing the solo in the school concert as a way of speaking to her sister one last time. But Phoebe's so traumatized by what happened, she's lost her beautiful singing voice.

Kat Waters wants the choir solo for herself and is spreading a terrible rumor about what really happened to Okalee on River Day. If Phoebe tells the truth, she believes her family will never forgive her and she may never get to sing her goodbye to Okalee. Even worse, somebody is leaving Phoebe anonymous notes telling her they saw what really happened at the river.

Missing Okalee is an empathy-building novel about the unbreakable bond between sisters and finding the courage to do what's right amid heartbreak and tragedy.