The 9:09 Project - by Mark H Parsons (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A grieving boy's photography project changes his life in this moving and uplifting novel about the power of seeing the world and the people around us in a new way, praised by PW as "a character-driven work that celebrates the healing power of connection and creativity."

"Wryly funny, extremely intelligent, and sweetly romantic." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"An engaging, thought-provoking title that is easy to read, hard to put down, and will have readers wondering about the characters long after they've finished it. . . . highly recommended." --SLJ, starred review

Winner of the 2026 Nutmeg Book Award (Grades 9-12)

Two years after losing his mother, Jamison is afraid he's starting to forget her. His dad and younger sister seem to be coping, each in their own way. But when Jamison nearly misses his mother's birthday, he worries that the memories he has left are slowly fading.

Determined to hold on to her, Jamison dusts off the Nikon camera she gave him and begins a simple project: every night at 9:09, he photographs whoever happens to pass by at the same time and place.

What starts as a way to make sense of time soon becomes something much bigger. Through his camera lens, Jamison begins to see the world in a deeper way. He begins to notice the stories hidden in ordinary moments and discovers unexpected friendships and surprising connections with the people around him.

As his project grows, Jamison starts to understand that remembering someone isn't about holding on to the past. It's about finding ways to carry them with you as you move forward.

Review Quotes

★ "A wryly funny, extremely intelligent, and sweetly romantic contemporary novel full of biting sarcasm and... tender yet powerful emotions." --Kirkus Review, starred review

★ "An engaging, thought-provoking title that is easy to read, hard to put down, and will have readers wondering about the characters long after they've finished it. . . . highly recommended." --School Library Journal, starred review

"A character-driven work that celebrates the healing power of connection and creativity, encouraging readers to take a closer look at the world around them." --Publishers Weekly

"The novel's greatest strength is its characterization. The relatable characters come alive on the page, their portrayal being, yes, picture perfect." --Booklist

"A strikingly honest depiction of loss, grief and healing." --BookPage

A Kirkus Reviews Best of 2022 Selection

A Broadart Books Staff Teen Selection

A Bank Street College of Education's Children's Book Committee's The Best Children's Books of the Year 2023 Selection

About the Author

Mark H. Parsons is a writer and musician living on the Central Coast of California with his wife (also a writer and musician). They have two sons with whom they occasionally make loud music under the name Risky Whippet. Mark enjoys the three "R's"--reading, running, and rock 'n' roll.