My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece

A parent might reach for this book when their child is processing a long-term family loss or witnessing the quiet, complicated ways adults handle grief. While the story centers on the aftermath of a terrorist attack that killed Jamie's sister years ago, it is primarily a story about a ten-year-old boy trying to find his own identity in a home overshadowed by his father's depression and prejudice. Jamie's voice is refreshingly honest and often funny, offering a realistic look at a family that is fractured but still holds glimpses of hope. This book is best suited for mature readers aged 10 and up, as it tackles heavy themes like alcoholism, divorce, and racism with a gentle yet unswerving hand. It is an excellent choice for starting conversations about tolerance, the different ways people mourn, and the resilience of childhood friendships.