They are both such lovely, creative people and they treated my work with TLC and a lot of respect. I worked closely with Garry Williams, the screenwriter and Stephen Gyllenhaal, our director. I was absolutely thrilled that all these years later someone decided to turn it into a movie. What has been the process of seeing your book turn into a screenplay? I also teach writing to adults and children. It's ultimate sweet message is that sometimes that's enough.My name is Sarah Weeks and I've been writing books for young readers for the past 30 years. Heidi's past is tragic, her present complicated. It's focus not just on the terrible things that can happen to people but also on how the love and support of other people - blood relations or not - can make these realities bearable. What's ultimately uplifting about a story that could be really depressing is So B. Why are things the way they are? Where's the rest of her family? Who took care of her mom before they landed in Bernadette's lap? Since Bernadette has no answers, Heidi digs into the mystery on her own - and what she finds is neither pleasant nor simple. But, like most 12-year-olds, Heidi is starting to question the staus quo. It's not that Heidi is unhappy, exactly, even though she seems to know only one child her own age, and even though her mom, while loving, needs Heidi to care for her rather than the other way around. Sad, beautiful, and unique, this sympathetic coming-of-age tale based on Sarah Weeks' novel about a determined young girl with a mysterious past will resonate with adults, tweens, and teens. The movie is based on the same-named novel by Sarah Weeks. But tweens and teens will relate to the character and may be inspired by her strength, perseverance, and courage. A tragic death late in the movie may upset young or sensitive viewers Heidi's plight may also be disturbing to some viewers. Heidi goes on a long journey alone, essentially running away in the middle of the night, but she's never in any real danger and meets people who treat her with kindness. These characters' limitations are treated with respect, and they're loved and given dignity and understanding, with their needs considered. It is a touching coming-of-age drama about a 12-year-old girl named Heidi ( Talitha Bateman) who's growing up in isolation because she lives with her intellectually disabled mother and a family friend who has agoraphobia and can't leave the house.

The fact that Heidi goes on a long journey by herself could also alarm some kids.ĭid you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide. There's a tragic death (not a child), which could upset young/sensitive viewers.

So b it by sarah weeks