About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is struggling to reconcile the shiny, heroic version of a story with a messy or painful reality, particularly regarding family secrets or military service. It is a profound tool for navigating the confusion children feel when the adults they admire seem distant, changed, or 'broken' by experiences they cannot yet understand. Set just after World War II, the story follows Steve, a young boy who has spent years imagining his brother Matthew as a fearless war hero. When Matthew returns home traumatized and silent, Steve's attempt to protect his brother's reputation through lies leads to a dangerous confrontation. This is a masterful exploration of the weight of truth, the complexity of trauma, and the transition from childhood idealism to empathetic maturity. Best for ages 9 to 13, it offers a safe space to discuss how we love people through their invisible wounds.
