About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle schooler is beginning to question inherited beliefs or feels the deep sting of a broken promise by an adult they admired. It is a sensitive exploration of spiritual yearning and the disillusionment that can come when a charismatic figure fails to live up to their own message. Through the eyes of thirteen year old Peter, the story addresses the complexity of faith, the importance of steadfast friendship, and the quiet resilience needed to move forward after a betrayal. This Newbery Honor book is ideal for ages 10 to 14, offering a realistic look at how a young person reconciles their inner spiritual life with the expectations of their family and peers. Parents will appreciate the way it validates a child's search for meaning without providing easy, clichéd answers. It serves as a gentle bridge for discussing trust, integrity, and the difference between true faith and external performance.
