The 9:09 Project by Mark H. Parsons is another teen Nutmeg nominee.

Jamison has been struggling since his mom’s death from cancer. She was the only one who really understood his way of thinking as a synesthetic among being a confidante.

He uses photography as a way to commemorate her. Each night, he takes a photo at her time of death, 9:09.

Jamison decides to use his 9:09 photos and others he’s taken of classmates to build a website which begins getting attention.

Through this is a budding relationship with a seemingly surly classmate. He also navigates having his little sister at high school with him for the first time, overcoming his childhood crush with the hottest girl in school, a new friendship and supporting his dad.

Photography is a key element to the story. Each chapter begins with a quote from Dorothea Lange and there is a plentiful amount of photo editing details.

The author’s note explains how personal this story is as he was caring for his mother while writing this book, highlighting the need to celebrate our loved ones through our own talents and memories.