When the baby is finally born, Claire’s father rushes mother and baby off to the hospital, leaving Clair to clean up the terrifying blood, and reassure for her three younger siblings. Claire grows up fast, dealing with a new school and its new bullies, while single-handedly caring for her sister and two brothers. And things don’t get any better when her mentally fragile mother finally comes home.
Told in the voice of a strong but overwhelmed young girl, Just Claire is a wonderful tale of the power of love over mental illness.
Written by my friend Jean Ann Williams, Just Claire is suggested for middle schoolers on up to adults.