About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is facing a major life transition, such as a move, family separation, or the feeling of being the 'odd one out' in a new environment. Set against the backdrop of World War II, this story follows ten-year-old Norah as she is sent from England to Canada for safety. While her younger brother Gavin adapts quickly to their wealthy host family, Norah struggles with resentment, homesickness, and the feeling that she doesn't belong. It is a deeply honest portrayal of the 'unpleasant' emotions of childhood, like anger and jealousy, which are often ignored in historical fiction. Parents will appreciate how the book validates a child's right to be unhappy during a difficult change. It doesn't sugarcoat Norah's experience, even touching on regressive behaviors like bed-wetting as a symptom of stress. Ultimately, it offers a hopeful roadmap for resilience, showing how open communication and time can turn a foreign place into a temporary home. It is best suited for children aged 8 to 12 who are ready for a realistic, character-driven narrative about finding one's footing when the world feels upside down.
