About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the burden of expectation or feels restricted by a role they didn't choose. It is a sweeping, lyrical reimagining of the Norwegian folk tale East of the Sun and West of the Moon, following a girl named Rose who was born under a 'North' omen that dictates a life of wandering and danger. To save her family from ruin, she leaves home with a massive white bear, beginning a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of promise-keeping. The story explores deep emotional themes of sacrifice, the weight of family secrets, and the transition from childhood dependency to independent adulthood. While there are moments of peril and loneliness, the prose is elegant and atmospheric, making it a soothing yet challenging read for middle-schoolers. It is an ideal choice for readers who appreciate slow-burn fantasy and stories where the protagonist must find their own path through a cold, unforgiving landscape.
