Shimmer

Reach for this book when your middle grade child is beginning to ask difficult questions about the lingering scars of history or needs a safe way to process the concept of justice and moving on after loss. It follows Riley, a twelve year old ghost and Soul Catcher, as she travels back to a 1700s Caribbean plantation to help a group of spirits trapped by a young girl's vengeful anger. While the premise involves the afterlife, the heart of the story is about the complex work of forgiveness and the courage required to confront past wrongs. It is a thoughtful choice for parents who want to introduce historical realities like slavery through a lens of empathy and emotional healing. The short chapters and fast-paced mystery make it accessible while still offering deep substance for conversation about why some people hold onto pain and how we can help them let go.