This book… THIS BOOK! Where do I even begin? I’ve had this novel for years I don’t even know how it came into my possession. It was eventually made into a film in 2004, which aired on Freeform (used to be ABC Family and Fox Family before that.) It starred Raviv Ullman and Danielle Panabaker. Sadly, I missed what appeared to be the ONLY televised airing and couldn’t find it ever again. Of course, the internet is a lot better now than it was back then.
After getting into an argument with her brother, Darcy runs off with him chasing after her. She misses being hit by a car as she darts across the street. The same cannot be said for her brother, David. The loss of David strikes the family hard and, to make matters worse, Darcy’s father loses his father loses his job to another man who happens to be black. When she begins to search for David’s heart, her path of healing follows suite.
I have no cons for Cherie Bennet’s book. It had me in tears when I read it in fifth grade. The worst thing I can say is it might be too heavy a topic for a children’s book. If you have qualms about it, I’m very sorry to hear that.
Searching for David’s Heart is a heartbreaking yet touching story of losing a loved one and desperately trying to find a way to still feel and be connected to them. Bennett amazingly covers all the stages of grief and stretches it all throughout the characters affected by David’s death. It isn’t overwhelming and creates a lot of compassion, bringing a tear to the eye whether you’ve experienced such a tragedy or not.
Bennett also handles prejudice and passive racism very well in this story. (Spoilers!) After losing his job, Darcy’s father verbally lashes out about having lost his job to a man of color. This doesn’t sound like his usual behavior or belief because Darcy is uncomfortable with his sudden change in tone. There will be some who argue he was probably racist before hand, but in this scenario, I feel he was being tasteless in the loss of his son and job. While it doesn’t excuse any form of racism, he was more likely talking in a place of ignorance and grief than he was of hate.
If I’ve intrigued you, read Searching for David’s Heart. Share with your children, nieces, nephews, cousins, grandkids, and whoever. Gift it to anyone, it comes down to it. It’s meaningful and insightful piece of literature to have in your life, no matter where your journey is at the moment.
Naley Gonzalez 