A Long Way Home

Twelve-year-old Riley is unhappy about moving to his mother's childhood home in Vermont while his father is deployed in the Gulf War. Feeling lonely and out of place, he slowly builds a relationship with a neighbor, an artist who was a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War. This relationship, combined with a discovery of a family relative's hidden history, forces Riley to reconcile his pride in his father's military service with his growing empathy for those who choose not to fight. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book handles the reality of war and conscientious objection through a secular, historical lens. The approach is direct but age-appropriate, focusing on the emotional and social consequences of these choices. The resolution is realistic and reflective, emphasizing personal growth over easy answers. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story begins with a heavy sense of displacement and bitterness. It moves slowly, mirroring the pace of rural life, and builds toward a thoughtful, hopeful conclusion where Riley finds a sense of belonging and internal peace. IDEAL READER: A 10-to-12-year-old child in a military family who feels pressure to be 'brave' and needs permission to feel complicated emotions about war and family duty. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might see their child lashing out about a move or expressing confusion about why some people support war while others do not. PARENT PREP: Parents should be prepared to discuss the Vietnam War and the Gulf War context, as these historical markers inform the characters' motivations. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger middle-grade readers will focus on the 'new kid' dynamics and the mystery of the neighbor, while older readers will grasp the moral ambiguity of pacifism versus military service. DIFFERENTIATOR: This book is unique because it doesn't choose sides between the soldier and the pacifist: it honors the integrity of both, providing a nuanced look at different forms of courage.