Lost

A parent would reach for this book when their middle-schooler is struggling with the heavy, often silent aftermath of a significant family loss or a fractured home life. This moving story follows Alfie, a young boy trying to navigate the void left by his mother's death. It addresses the way grief can make a family feel like strangers and explores the complexities of finding a path forward when the world feels broken. Parents will appreciate the book's honest, secular approach to bereavement and the portrayal of how friendship can offer a vital lifeline. It is a realistic, emotionally resonant choice for children aged 11 to 15 who need to see that while life may never be the same, it is possible to find joy again. This story provides a safe space for adolescents to process their own feelings of loneliness and resilience.