Eleven-year-old Adara is grieving her mother’s death and struggling to adjust to life in Michigan after leaving sunny California. Everything feels unfamiliar—her dad’s quiet sadness, her new school, and the weight of unspoken grief between them.
Then a small purple succulent named Perle begins to speak to her. Adara discovers she’s inherited her mother’s magical ability to communicate with plants—a gift that helps her express the feelings she’s been holding inside. As she cares for Perle and forms a tentative friendship with classmate Winnie, Adara learns that listening—to others and to herself—matters just as much as being heard.
This beautifully illustrated graphic novel for middle grade to middle school readers uses gentle magic and whimsy to help middle-grade and middle-school readers navigate grief, empathy, and connection. With its blend of heart and imagination, How to Talk to Your Succulent opens doors for discussing feelings, relationships, and resilience when life changes.
Grade Level: 6-8
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Content:
Grief and Loss
Relationships
Resilience