About This Book
Reach for this book when your child starts questioning the absolute definitions of heroism and villainy, or when they are struggling with a bully and need to understand the hidden burdens others might carry. Set during World War II, the story follows eleven-year-old Margaret as she navigates the complexities of home-front loyalty. What begins as a simple tale of avoiding a neighborhood bully transforms into a profound exploration of empathy when Margaret discovers that her tormentor, Gordy, is secretly caring for his brother, a deserter hiding in the woods. This novel is a masterclass in emotional nuance, perfect for the 9 to 13 age range. It moves beyond black and white morality to show how fear and love can lead people to make difficult, sometimes illegal, choices. Parents will appreciate how it handles heavy themes like domestic abuse and the ethics of war with grace and historical accuracy, providing a safe space to discuss why good people sometimes do 'bad' things and why 'cowardice' isn't always what it seems.
