Do You Know the Monkey Man?

Reach for this book when your middle-grade child is asking difficult questions about family history, navigating the absence of a parent, or struggling with the feeling that they aren't being told the whole truth. It is a sensitive exploration of how children process long-held family secrets and the complicated grief that comes with a parent's departure. Thirteen-year-old Samantha is determined to find the father who left years ago, but her search uncovers a shocking possibility: the twin sister she was told died in a tragic accident might actually be alive. This mystery serves as a framework for Sam to process her identity and her mother's protective silence. It is emotionally resonant and age-appropriate for ages 10 to 14, offering a realistic look at how families heal through honesty rather than avoidance.