About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the powerlessness of waiting for someone far away, especially in a military or deployment context. While the setting is 1950s Brooklyn, the emotional core focuses on nine-year-old Maggie and her deep anxiety for a friend serving in the Korean War. The story illustrates how tangible rituals, like tracking baseball scores or writing letters, can provide a sense of agency and connection during times of deep uncertainty. Linda Sue Park beautifully balances the excitement of the Dodgers and Giants rivalry with the somber reality of global conflict. It is a gentle yet honest exploration of worry, hope, and the realization that things do not always return to exactly how they were. It is perfectly suited for children ages 8 to 12 who are moving into more complex historical fiction that explores the nuances of grief and resilience.
