About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is feeling the weight of a family struggle, especially if they are navigating a parent's mental health crisis or the absence of a caregiver. Set during World War II, the story follows twelve-year-old Ellen as she moves to rural Virginia to live with an estranged aunt while her father is overseas and her mother is immobilized by severe depression. It is a gentle yet honest exploration of what it means to be a caregiver when you are still a child yourself. While the historical setting provides a safe distance, the emotional core is deeply relevant for modern families. Parents will appreciate how the book validates the fear that a parent's struggle might be 'contagious' or hereditary, while ultimately offering a message of resilience. It is an ideal choice for middle-grade readers (ages 8-12) who are ready for a more nuanced look at family dynamics, showing that while we cannot always fix the people we love, we can build a supportive community to help us through.
