About This Book
Reach for this book when your child feels limited by their physical circumstances or is struggling with the frustration of being told what they cannot do. Charlie Wilcox is born with a club foot in a culture that prizes physical strength and seafaring prowess, leading his family to believe he belongs in a quiet office rather than on the ocean. His journey is a powerful exploration of self-determination and the grit required to forge one's own path. After accidentally stowing away on a ship bound for the battlefields of World War I, Charlie finds himself serving as a medical dresser in the trenches of France. This historical adventure balances the harsh realities of war with a deeply moving coming-of-age story. It is an ideal choice for middle schoolers ready for a more complex look at history, duty, and the discovery of hidden talents that emerge only under pressure.
