About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is navigating the complex emotions of a changing family dynamic or asking questions about social justice and fairness. While many stories focus on the pain of separation, this middle-grade novel offers a rare, hopeful look at what happens after a family is reunited following an injustice. It follows fourteen-year-old Zoe as she helps her recently exonerated father navigate the challenges of re-entry and pursues their shared dream of opening a restaurant. It is a gentle yet honest exploration of rebuilding trust and the resilience required to start over. Parents will appreciate the way it models proactive communication and community support for children ages 8 to 12. It provides a safe space to discuss systemic issues through the lens of a warm, food-filled family story.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book addresses wrongful conviction and the challenges of life after incarceration directly. The approach is secular and realistic, highlighting systemic biases without being cynical. The resolution is hopeful and empowering, focusing on community action.
