About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is beginning to test the boundaries of their independence or feeling the bittersweet pull between wanting to explore the world and needing the safety of home. Through the eyes of Rama, a spirited cat with a golden earring, readers explore what it means to be truly self-reliant. It is an ideal choice for the child who feels a bit like an outsider or who is navigating a transition where they must find their own footing. While the story follows Rama's survival in the wild after wandering away from his nomadic human family, the heart of the book is about resilience and the discovery of one's own capabilities. Written by Newbery medalist Betsy Byars, the prose is elegant yet accessible for ages 8 to 12. It masterfully balances the thrill of adventure with the quiet, reflective moments of loneliness that come with growing up and choosing your own path.
