About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is welcoming a new family member into the home or struggling to connect with a peer who has experienced upheaval. It is an ideal choice for children who are sensitive to the emotions of others but may not yet have the words to bridge a gap in communication. Set in 1914 New York, the story follows eleven-year-old Anna as she navigates the arrival of her cousin Tania, a refugee from war-torn Russia. While Tania is initially frozen by trauma and grief, the two girls find a common language through their shared love of a stray cat and her kittens. This gentle chapter book explores the patience required to build trust and the healing power of animals. It is perfectly suited for readers aged 8 to 12 who enjoy historical settings and stories centered on family bonds and empathy.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with immigration, the impact of war, and the death of a parent (Tania's mother). The approach is direct but handled with extreme gentleness. The book focuses on universal themes of grief. The resolution is realistic and hopeful: Tania does not forget her past, but she finds a future.
