Come Back, Lucy

A parent should reach for this book when their child is struggling to adapt to a sudden change in family life, particularly the feeling of being an outsider in a new home after a loss. It is a haunting, psychological ghost story that serves as a powerful metaphor for the dangers of retreating into nostalgia when the present feels overwhelming or loud. After her grandmother dies, Lucy is sent to live with modern, boisterous cousins who she finds chaotic and alien. She discovers a friend from the past through an old mirror, but soon realizes that clinging to the past can have a dark, suffocating price. This classic British novel is best suited for children aged 9 to 13 who enjoy spooky atmospheres and are navigating their own journeys toward resilience and belonging. It validates the desire to hide from the world while gently showing why we must eventually step back into the light.