About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is beginning to navigate the shifting sands of middle school friendships or quietly exploring their own sense of self. It is an ideal choice for the child who feels like an outsider or who is grappling with the realization that their identity might not fit into traditional boxes. Through a gentle but gripping mystery, the story validates the internal struggle of finding one's voice when the world expects you to stay the same. The narrative follows twelve-year-old Aubrey as they search for their missing best friend, Joel, in the woods of their Kentucky town. As the mystery unfolds, it reveals a deeply emotional exploration of gender identity, the pain of growing apart from friends, and the courage it takes to be honest with oneself. While it touches on heavy themes like running away and gender dysphoria, it remains age-appropriate for the 8 to 12 range, offering a realistic and ultimately hopeful roadmap for self-discovery.
