About This Book
Reach for this book when your child feels like an outsider or struggles to reconcile different parts of their identity. It is a perfect choice for children who feel physically or emotionally 'too big' for their surroundings, or for those navigating the complexities of adoptive or non traditional family structures. Through the lens of Russian folklore, the story follows Yanka, a twelve year old who ventures into the wild to discover why she is changing into a bear. The narrative beautifully balances the ache of not belonging with the empowering realization that we can choose our own family. It celebrates physical strength and resilience in girls while maintaining a lyrical, magical tone. While there are moments of peril and high stakes adventure, the core of the book is a deeply comforting exploration of self acceptance and the many ways to define home. It is ideally suited for readers aged 8 to 12 who enjoy immersive, atmospheric world building.
