The Golden Hour

A high school student returns from spring break to a school recovering from a traumatic event and finds grounding through photography, friendship, and a calf named Daisy.

4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,269 ratings

248 pages· 6,704 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

$12.99Save 4%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Manuel Soto, grappling with anxiety after a traumatic event, finds unexpected solace in photography and new friendships. Partnered with classmates Sebastian and Caysha for a project, Manuel discovers peace on a cattle farm and joy in a newborn calf's antics. As they prepare for the county fair, Manuel faces his fears, opens his heart, and discovers first love. Will he find healing and hope in this rural escape?

From the publisher

2021 Kirkus Prize Finalist - A Kirkus Best Book of 2021 - An SLJ Best Book of 2021 ★ “Exceptionally graceful and delightful” – Kirkus Reviews, starred review ★ “A beautiful story of resilience.” School Library Journal, starred review ★ “Meaningful and impactful “ – School Library Connection, starred review From the author of The Deep &amp; Dark Blue comes a tender graphic novel, perfect for our time, that gently explores themes of self-discovery, friendship, healing from tragedy, and hope for a better tomorrow. Struggling with anxiety after witnessing a harrowing instance of gun violence, Manuel Soto copes through photography, using his cell-phone camera to find anchors that keep him grounded. His days are a lonely, latchkey monotony until he’s teamed with his classmates, Sebastian and Caysha, for a group project. Sebastian lives on a grass-fed cattle farm outside of town, and Manuel finds solace in the open fields and in the antics of the newborn calf Sebastian is hand-raising. As Manuel aides his new friends in their preparations for the local county fair, he learns to open up, confronts his deepest fears, and even finds first love. This title will be simultaneously available in paperback.

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