About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their child is beginning to notice that life, family, and friendships are more complex and fragile than they previously believed. It is an ideal choice for a pre-teen who is struggling with changes in a sibling relationship or witnessing a friend go through a difficult home situation. The story follows twelve-year-old Arden as she navigates the disruption of her stable world when her older brother decides to leave home and her best friend, Dorcas, faces serious family instability. Newton explores themes of loyalty, the loss of childhood innocence, and the necessity of accepting people as they are. While the setting reflects its 1980s publication, the emotional resonance of growing up and letting go remains deeply relevant for children aged 9 to 12. It provides a comforting roadmap for finding a new kind of 'normal' after a period of upheaval.
