About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is acting as the emotional anchor for a family in transition, or when they are using a hobby as a refuge from stress at home. It speaks directly to the child who feels they must be the strong one while their parents separate, highlighting the quiet burden of maintaining a perfect exterior during internal turmoil. The story follows Emily, a young dancer who wins a coveted role in a professional production of The Nutcracker just as her father leaves the family home. It beautifully captures the intersection of personal triumph and private grief. This short chapter book is perfect for middle-grade readers, offering a realistic look at how children process divorce through the lens of their own passions and responsibilities.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with parental separation and maternal depression. The approach is realistic and secular. It does not shy away from the mother's inability to cope, making the resolution feel earned and hopeful rather than magical. It acknowledges that while the family structure has changed, the child can still find joy in their own life.
