The Lilac Tree

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the 'new normal' following a significant family loss or a jarring geographic move. It is particularly effective for children who feel resentful about changes they didn't choose, providing a mirror for the frustration and isolation that often accompany grief. The story follows Katie and her mother as they leave London for a primitive, rugged cottage in Cornwall after the death of Katie's father. As Katie navigates the physical challenges of her new life, from outside toilets to the lack of heating, she begins to find healing through a transformative new friendship and the raw beauty of the natural world. This is a quiet, atmospheric novel that validates the difficulty of starting over while offering a hopeful path toward resilience. It is best suited for readers aged 9 to 12 who appreciate realistic fiction with deep emotional resonance.