About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is navigating a major life transition, such as moving to a new city, or when they begin asking complex questions about fairness, history, and why people are treated differently based on their identity. Set in 1947, the story follows ten-year-old Sally as she moves from New Jersey to Florida, leaving her father behind while her brother recovers from an illness. It is a masterclass in how children process the heavy realities of the world through the lens of their own imagination and daily concerns. Sally is a vibrant, imaginative protagonist who grapples with the lingering shadows of World War II, including her fear that a neighbor might be a hidden Adolf Hitler. The book beautifully balances the lighthearted trials of making new friends and dealing with school lice with serious themes of antisemitism and Jim Crow segregation. It serves as a gentle but honest bridge for parents to discuss historical injustice and the way empathy develops during the pre-teen years. It is best suited for readers aged 8 to 12 who are ready for a nuanced look at both personal and social history.
