About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the transition from childhood to independence or feeling the weight of being an outsider. It is a perfect choice for the young reader who feels lonely in their interests or is searching for a mentor figure to help them navigate a big, intimidating world. This story follows two Melvins, a battle-hardened Civil War veteran and a sixteen-year-old orphan, as they form an unlikely partnership on the post-war frontier. As they travel from Texas to Kansas, the book explores themes of chosen family, loyalty, and the quiet bravery required to trust another person after experiencing loss. Suitable for ages 10 to 14, it offers a grounded but adventurous look at how companionship can transform a desolate landscape into a place of belonging. Parents will appreciate the way it models positive male vulnerability and the importance of intergenerational friendship.
