About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with a major life transition, such as moving to a new place or coping with the loss of a primary caregiver. Rose Larkin is a twelve-year-old orphan who feels like a total outsider when she is sent to live with unknown relatives in a drafty Ontario farmhouse. Her discovery of a magical root cellar that leads to the 1860s provides more than just an escape, it offers her the deep human connection and sense of purpose she lacks in the present day. This classic Canadian novel explores themes of grief, historical grit, and the meaning of family with a realistic touch. While it contains some intense moments related to the American Civil War and the harshness of 19th-century life, it is a rewarding read for middle schoolers who appreciate stories about finding where you belong.
