Book Review: Sweeping Up The Heart, Kevin Henkes

The Book

Title: Sweeping Up The Heart

Author: Kevin Henkes

Cover: Ali Smith

Publishing: Greenwillow Books 2019

Type: Fiction

Pages: 183

Series: x

Genre: Children's Literature, Drama

Subgenres: Coming-Of-age, Family

Audience: Children, Youth, Teenagers

Content Advisory: Discussion of a parent's death.

My Details

Purchase Date: 2025

Purchased At: Dollar Tree

Cost: $1.25

List Price: $7.99

Version: Hardcover

Read: June 2025

Rating

5/5

Quick Overview

Sweeping Up The Heart is lovely in its simplicity about a coming-of-age story of a young girl who's mother passed before she could remember her and was left with a father who closed himself off after the death of his wife. This fast-paced read moves along effortlessly, gets to the point, and doesn't bog the story down with unnecessary details. It touches on some tough and sensitive topics such as death, grieving, anger, sadness, loneliness, joy, crushes, and acceptance in an uncomplicated way. While it doesn't dive deep into a particular emotional focus, it gives us plenty to think about, and more importantly, connect to. It's easy to get swept away in the charming town and with this lovely girl, Amelia, that Kevin Henkes has created. It's a great read for youth, families, and anyone who knows what it's like to have loss someone, especially at a young age.

Publisher Synopsis

Amelia Albright dreams about going to Florida for spring break like everyone else in her class, but her father—a cranky and stubborn English professor—has decided Florida is too much adventure.

Now Amelia is stuck at home with him and her babysitter, the beloved Mrs. O’Brien. The week ahead promises to be boring, until Amelia meets Casey at her neighborhood art studio. Amelia has never been friends with a boy before, and the experience is both fraught and thrilling. When Casey claims to see the spirit of Amelia’s mother (who died ten years before), the pair embarks on an altogether different journey in their attempt to find her.

My interest was peaked.

I found this during one of my Dollar Tree book hunts. Yes, it's a children's/youth book and that was clear from the moment I picked it up. I do read children's books (including picture books) from time to time. It's a way for me to see what is current for young readers, and I believe that some of the best books written are for the youth.

The synopsis peaked my interest immediately: a boy claims to see the spirit of a young girl's mother who passed, even though they just met! - These were heavy topics for a children's book and I wanted to find out how Kevin Henkes could achieve this in only 183 pages, so I bought it.

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Swept away.

I was drawn into this book immediately and enjoyed it from start to finish. I really appreciated how Henkes kept the story moving along with each chapter. He got to the point and didn't bog down the story with unnecessary details. Extra credit for giving every chapter a title! It's a personal pet peeve, but I feel chapter names are essential; they set the tone, mood, and theme of each section of the book they represent.

From the start, I instantly liked the main character: Amelia. She is a loveable character that is easy to connect with right away. From the pain of being unable to connect with her father, to the confusion of never knowing her mother or understanding her loss, she makes us feel. Her loneliness is palpable. The crush she develops on Casey is relatable and the new, uncertain feelings of attraction that come with it. I also felt for Amelia in her hope of finding her mother; the confusion that her dad's girlfriend, Hannah, brings into her life; and in the optimistic ending as things in her life seem to brighten up for her.

While Amelia is the center of the story, the supporting characters make the story complete.

• Mrs.O'brien, who is basically raising Amelia, is the sweet neighbor. She was never able to have children and lost her husband, but finds a place in the Albright home. She's the glue that holds that household together.

• Louise who owns the clay studio, not only connects Amelia and Casey, but also gives Amelia a much needed artistic outlet.

• Casey, who reciprocates Amelia's crush, is navigating his parents potential divorce - in his own way. He also gives Amelia new ways to see her surroundings and be creative.

• Hannah, who turns out not to be the spirit of Amelia's deceased mother - but is in fact her dad's girlfriend, is kind and caring. She actually helps Amelia understand her father.

• Mr. Albright is frustrating for most of the story with his lack of parenting and not being very involved in his own daughter's life, but where would this story be without conflict! He eventually comes around and we see the beginning of changes for the better.

The topics in this story are a bit heavy, yet Henkes explores them just enough to awaken our feelings and thoughts, but doesn't go so far that we're in agony or emotionally overwhelmed. He leaves space for us to reflect and relate. - Considering this book is for children, it is handled well.

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Recommended

I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars! It's a quick read that manages to take several real-life challenges that youth deal with or witness and molds them into something simple that we can relate to.

This book is perfect for children, especially those in similar situations - such as divorced/separated parents, losing a parent, distant parent(s), dealing with coming-to-age, or who may feel lonely or misunderstood. It would also be a good fit for any youth who may want to understand what their peers are going through in these types of situations.

I strongly believe adults will connect with this story as well. Many of us have been through similar situations and it will reconnect you with the youth within you, and, maybe, give you some hope.

It would be a good choice to read together as a family or within a classroom to spark thoughtful discussion and help to develop empathy for others.

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Movie?

This book would make a good family movie. I'm surprised it hasn't been made by Disney for their FreeForm channel or even their Disney+ service.