About This Book
Reach for this book when your child starts asking questions about natural disasters or feels anxious after hearing scary news reports. This historical fiction story provides a safe, structured way to process real-world dangers by following a brave, relatable protagonist through a difficult event. The story centers on 10-year-old Leo, a newsboy in 1906 San Francisco who must find his way through the chaos of a massive earthquake and the subsequent fires. While the situation is intense, the focus remains on resilience, family loyalty, and the community's effort to rebuild. It is perfectly calibrated for the 7 to 10 age range, offering just enough suspense to keep them engaged without becoming gratuitously graphic. Parents will appreciate how it validates a child's fears while modeling how to stay calm and helpful during a crisis.
