If you're looking for a beautiful coming-of-age novel, the #ReadWithMC community recommends Kai Harris' debut novel, What the Fireflies Knew (opens in new tab). One of the first works of fiction from Phoebe Robinson's publishing company Tiny Reparations, the book is told from the perspective of soon-to-be 11-year-old KB, who comes to live with her sister at their grandfather's house in Lansing, Michigan, after their father dies of a drug overdose.

As one reviewer (opens in new tab) noted, "I have never read a work that so perfectly captures the time between being a girl and becoming a teenager. I don't have any real sisters, but I imagine the sisterhood portrayed in this book is also very real. By the end, I fell in love with all the characters."

While there are certainly heavy themes throughout the novel, readers felt that Harris stayed true to KB's young voice. See what else the #ReadWithMC community liked about Marie Claire's February Book Club selection below.

"This novel was a tragically beautiful coming-of-age story about loss, forgiveness, and trying to heal while the pain still lingers.

We experience one summer in Lansing through the eyes of 11-year-old KB. I especially loved her quiet observations and moments of innocence. She goes through a lot in three months, including feelings of abandonment and self-discovery; KB is forced to grow up in one summer and must learn to navigate a new reality, and a new city.

Lansing's hot days try to break her, but she won't let them.

There were several parts of the book that tugged at my heartstrings; KB lost her father, but she has her grandfather in that hole. My grandfather and I are very close, and watching that bond develop made me miss him. I won't spoil the ending, but I thought the ending was honest, raw, and a little unsure. But in the midst of that uncertainty, KB and her family find hope.

I think this novel will stay with me for a while. This novel has found a place in my heart that I didn't even realize I had. And I cannot wait to see what Kai Harris does next.

TW: Racism, Sexual Assault" [email protected] (opens in new tab)

"In "What the Firefly Gave Me," 10-year-old narrator Kenyatta (called KB by many), after her father dies of an overdose, moves to Lansing, Mich. and moves in with her sister to their grandfather's house in Lansing, Michigan, after her father dies of an overdose. Her mother, devastated by the death of her husband and the loss of her home, is hospitalized and treated for depression; KB's sister is distant, angry and sad over her father's death; KB reads books and tries to make friends in the neighborhood while also trying to make sense of their situation; and KB's mother, who has been living in the house since her father's death, is a bit of a loner and has been living in the house since her father's death.

This synopsis does not do justice to the magic of the book. I have never read a work that so perfectly captures the time between being a young girl and becoming a teenager. I don't have any biological sisters, but I imagine the sisterhood portrayed in this book is also very real. By the end, I fell in love with all of the characters. A beautiful story of black girlhood.

If you're looking for a coming-of-age book to complete your squares in @metrolibraryok #winter reading #bookbingo, this is the book you should pick up." -Book Queen Christine (open in new tab)

"This story was not what I was expecting. In a good way. The story is told from the perspective of 10-year-old KB (Kenyatta Bernice). For me, the story begins when KB and her 14-year-old sister Nia are left by their mother at their grandfather's house in Lansing for the summer. Neither of them knows when their mother will return. This summer will change KB's life as she grows up and discovers the cruel and confusing world she lives in. In addition, she realizes the importance of family, love and acceptance." [email protected] (opens in a new tab)

". ✨ "God needed me to know happiness for once.

This was a beautifully written coming of age story from the perspective of 11 year old KB. This book was powerful and touching. I wanted to hug KB so many times. I wanted to hug KB again and again because his childhood innocence and wonder is shattered and he is forced to navigate through a horrific event all by himself. I loved following her journey through her tumultuous summer.

Kenyatta Bernice and her sister, Nia, lose their family home in Detroit and are placed with their estranged grandfather in Lansing, Michigan, after their mother enters a treatment program for depression after their father overdoses on drugs. The story is told from KB's point of view as she tries to repair her broken family and overcome the trials that life throws at her; KB finds solace in books, connects with "Anne of Green Gables," forms an emotional friendship with her grandfather, and learns to catch fireflies and caterpillars with an old mayonnaise jar.

The childhood narrator worked very well. Despite the tragic events, it was a very beautiful story.TW: This film deals with difficult themes such as child abuse, rape, and drug abuse. It handles tough subjects with honesty and care. This is a book that will stay with you after you finish turning the pages. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨(4.5/5)" -@kendallshelfmade (opens in new tab)

"I try to read one novel by an author of color every few books. I know that reading is not an action, but I believe that the education I get from reading is a prerequisite for doing the right thing. I know I have much to learn, so I continue to read and gain a better understanding of the experiences of people other than myself.

This is a beautiful and heart-wrenching coming-of-age story. It is an adult novel, but told from the perspective of the 11-year-old narrator. Her voice is engaging, warm, and funny.

KB's father dies of overdose and her mother, unable to care for her children, leaves her and her sister in the care of her grandfather. At first the grandfather is cold and distant, but over the course of the novel, a beautiful and touching relationship develops between KB and the only person who shows her love, kindness, understanding, and trust in her. The novel reminded me that even in the most traumatic childhood, all a child needs to survive is one kind person to accept them for who they are.

It is also a story of sisterly love; KB longs to see her sister Nia, to hear her stories, to play with her, to talk to her about the loss of her parents. But the sister is hurt and lost in her own way, and it will take a novel process for the two to find their way back to each other.

Harris explores black girlhood at a time when white neighbors across the street reprimand children for playing with you because of the color of their skin. She also looks at what life is like for a young black girl on the edge of adolescence, when the world is new and confusing and lonely and dangerous.Much of KB's narrative and style reminded me of Maya Angelou's memoir I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and Alice Walker's The Color Purple," which reminded me of.

An inspiring and important read. Please pick it up at your local indie. I got mine at @gibsonsbookstorenh (opens in new tab)." -@virginiamacgregorauthor (opens in new tab)

I missed the February Book Club Pick, so for March I'll be reading "An Apartment in Paris" by Lucy Foley. Click here for an excerpt from the book (opens in new tab).