About This Book
Reach for this book when your child feels overlooked or frustrated by being too young to participate in big family changes. Set during the onset of the American Civil War, the story follows Ike Button, a young boy left behind in Iowa while the men in his family march off to battle. It is a nuanced exploration of the 'home front' experience, dealing with the internal conflict of wanting to be brave and useful while feeling stuck in a world of aunts, cousins, and chores. This historical fiction is perfectly calibrated for ages 8 to 12, offering a gentle but honest look at the restlessness of childhood. Parents will appreciate how it validates a child's desire for purpose and provides a safe space to discuss the reality of family separation without being overly dark or graphic.
