About This Book
Reach for this classic tale when your child is beginning to notice social inequalities or when you want to foster a spirit of active compassion. While it functions as a vintage travel adventure from New York to California, the heart of the story lies in the cousins' decision to protect a vulnerable peer. It provides a gentle entry point for discussing how one person's kindness can fundamentally change the trajectory of someone else's life. The story explores themes of abandonment, physical disability, and the importance of chosen family. It is a wholesome, historical read that models how young people can use their resources and empathy to lift others up. The tone is optimistic and adventurous, making it a safe choice for middle grade readers who enjoy stories about friendship and the open road.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with child abandonment and the aftermath of an accident that caused mobility issues for one of the characters, and touches on themes of abandonment and neglect in a direct, period typical manner. The resolution is highly hopeful, leaning into the fairy tale optimism Baum is known for, where kindness is rewarded with security.
