Tracy Holczer’s ‘Secret Hum of a Daisy’ is smart, sophisticated

“THE SECRET HUM OF A DAISY,” by Tracy Holczer, Putnam, May 1, 2014, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 10 and up)

People like to think of children as immature, unable to tackle difficult topics. The truth is, however, children are faced with difficult things every day, and it’s our job as adults to help them process and move forward. “The Secret Hum of a Daisy,” by Tracy Holczer, explores how one girl copes with the loss of her mother and the life she’s always known.

Twelve-year-old Grace and her mother have always been their own family, traveling from place to place like gypsies. But Grace wants to finally have a home all their own. Just when she thinks she’s found it her mother says it’s time to move again. Grace summons the courage to tell her mother how she really feels and will always regret that her last words to her were angry ones.

After her mother’s sudden death, Grace is forced to live with a grandmother she’s never met. She can’t imagine her mother would want her to stay with this stranger. Then Grace finds clues in a mysterious treasure hunt, just like the ones her mother used to send her on. Maybe it is her mother, showing her the way to her true home.*

Told through Grace’s eyes “The Secret Hum of a Daisy” offers a child’s perspective on death. When we first meet Grace, she’s a very angry girl. She doesn’t want to live with her grandmother, she’s mad at her mom for leaving her and she’s mad at herself for being mad. Grace is sure that her mother is leaving her messages and is determined to solve their mystery, even if that means staying at her grandmother’s a little longer than planned.

“The Secret Hum of a Daisy” is a quiet book with mature prose that plays to the sensibilities of multiple age ranges. Younger readers will appreciate Tracy Holczer’s honest treatment of the subject matter and older readers (i.e. parents) will appreciate the sensitive way in which it is handled. Holczer respects her audience, leaving out patronizing and trendy themes and focusing instead on the heart.

Holczer’s character development is one of this book’s strengths. While Grace is the main player, readers aren’t left with only one character with whom to relate. Grace’s grandmother, new next-door neighbors and previous friends add depth to the story and provide strong counterpoint for Grace’s personality.

“The Secret Hum of a Daisy” is a beautiful read. Holczer’s writing is accessible and enjoyable. She tackles a hard subject with what appears to be the greatest of ease. In fact, Holczer’s writing is so seamless that you find yourself lost in her story from the first chapter.

*Synopsis provided by Putnam.

Editor’s note: The above post differs from Cracking the Cover’s regular review format. Learn more.