The Deepest Breath by Meg Grehan – Book Review
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Title: The Deepest Breath Author: Meg Grehan Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers Release Date: February 16, 2021  |
Stevie does what she can to know things. Whether it be creatures lurking in the deep ocean or stars and constellations in the night sky, she understands that knowledge is power. And Stevie’s knowledge gives her strength to quell anxious thoughts and feelings that threaten her peace. Yet, despite Stevie’s efforts to manage her anxiety, she struggles with her growing sense of identity most of all, especially her feelings for her classmate, Chloe. Unsure of how to talk about these feelings and unsure if she is ready to share them, Stevie breaks all the rules on a snow day to search for answers.
The Deepest Breath by Meg Grehan adds to the growing collection of novels in verse for middle grade readers. Although short in length, the novel still goes deep in its exploration of Stevie’s struggles with anxiety and her identity. What if something bad happens? What does it feel like to be in love? Can a girl have a crush on another girl? Stevie grapples with these questions in a narrative that is pitch perfect for pre-teens and tweens. As a result, her journey to self-discovery is touching, honest, and hopeful.
Educators will quickly find that The Deepest Breath has been the novel they are missing on their bookshelves. Whether they want to include it in literature circles about LGBTQ+ issues or lend it to a student that faces struggles similar to Stevie’s, The Deepest Breath will give young readers a story that they can see themselves in. There is no better reason to have a book ready and waiting for young people to read.
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and publisher, HMH Books for Young Readers, for an eARC of this book.
Classroom Applications
- Cross-curricular Study – Teach the novel in conjunction with a nonfiction study of LGBTQ+ community and its history.
- Literature Circles – Use novel for small groups or choice reading with a variety of novels that address LGTBQ+ issues.
- Book Club or Book Exchange – Share the novel with students that enjoy reading about themes of coming of age and LGBTQ+.
Nonfiction Connections
The list below outlines topics that will enrich your students’ understanding of the novel.
- LGBTQ+ Community
- History of LGBTQ+ Rights
- Anxiety & Mental Health
Book Companions
The following are great books to pair with The Deepest Breath. In parenthesis are the specific aspects students could explore when synthesizing across the texts.
- The Best At It by Maulik Pancholy (Character Connections, Themes, Nonfiction Connections)
- George by Alex Gino (Character Connections, Themes, Nonfiction Connections)
- Emmy in the Key of Code by Aimee Lucido (Character Connections, Themes)
- Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World by Ashley Herring Blake (Character Connections, Themes, Nonfiction Connections)
*LIT Lessons participates in the Amazon Associate Program and earns a fee from qualifying purchases made on the Amazon.com site.
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