Leaving Emma

A parent would reach for this book when their child is experiencing a season of 'cascading changes' where multiple areas of life feel unstable at once. Leaving Emma provides a gentle, realistic mirror for a child who is simultaneously managing a friend moving away and a parent's long-term work absence. The story follows fifth-grader Emma as she navigates her father's five-month trip to Turkey, her mother's return to college, and her best friend's relocation. This is an excellent choice for children ages 8 to 12 who feel they are losing their 'safety net' and need to see that independence can be a rewarding byproduct of change. Through Emma's relationship with her great-aunt Grace, the book models how intergenerational support can foster resilience. Parents will appreciate the focus on self-reliance and the realistic portrayal of how a family adjusts when roles and routines shift.