About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the emotional weight of family separation, financial instability, or the deep longing for an absent parent. It is a powerful choice for children who feel they must take on adult responsibilities or who harbor fantasies that a change in location will solve their family's problems. Spencer's journey from Seattle to San Francisco is a realistic look at the lengths a child will go to find stability and love. Twelve-year-old Spencer is tired of his mother's constant complaints and their frequent moves due to lack of money. Convinced that his father, who works for the Giants, will provide the life he craves, Spencer sets off on a solo trek with only fourteen dollars and his cat. This story addresses themes of resilience and the hard truth about parental disappointment while remaining accessible and engaging for the 8 to 12 age range. It serves as a gentle bridge to discuss the realities of housing insecurity and the complexity of adult relationships without being overly didactic.
