Poppy

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the feeling that their family landscape is shifting beneath their feet. Whether it is an older sibling leaving for college or a single parent entering the dating world, this story provides a safe space for children to process the bittersweet nature of change. Ten-year-old Poppy is navigating a whirlwind Thanksgiving as she prepares for her brother's return while witnessing her mother's new relationship and the friction it creates within the house. Kevin Henkes captures the quiet, internal world of a middle-grade child with profound empathy. The story validates the anxiety of wanting things to stay the same while realizing that everyone, including the adults, is growing up. It is a gentle, realistic portrayal of a modern family that prioritizes emotional honesty over dramatic plot twists, making it an ideal choice for children who feel sensitive to domestic transitions.