About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the weight of a mistake, feeling like an 'outsider,' or struggling with the fear that their past defines their future. It is a gentle but profound tool for discussing how we can move forward even when we feel misunderstood or ashamed of where we came from. Set during the Great Depression, the story follows fourteen-year-old Ross as he flees a difficult home life and finds himself wrongly accused of arson. As he discovers shelter and kindness with a farm family, he must decide whether to keep running or stand his ground. This historical novel models the courage required for honesty and the life-changing power of being given a second chance. It is ideal for middle schoolers (ages 10 to 14) who are beginning to navigate complex moral choices and the search for a true sense of belonging.
