About This Book
Reach for this book when your child begins to realize that the rules they are expected to follow might not always align with what is right. Anson's Way is a powerful exploration of moral courage, following a young British soldier stationed in 18th-century Ireland who must decide where his true loyalties lie. While he is bound by duty to the King, his heart is moved by the plight of the Irish people and their secret hedge schools. This story is ideal for middle schoolers navigating the transition from childhood obedience to personal conviction. It tackles themes of cultural suppression and the weight of conscience with grace and historical depth. Parents will appreciate how Gary D. Schmidt uses a specific historical setting to ground universal questions about empathy, justice, and the bravery required to stand up for one's beliefs, even when it costs a great deal.
