About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the confusion of a friend suddenly turning cold, distant, or unkind. It is a powerful tool for discussing how external influences or internal changes can alter a person's behavior, and why staying true to one's own kindness is a form of strength. The story follows Gerda, a young girl whose friend Kay is corrupted by a shard of a magic mirror and whisked away by the icy Snow Queen. Gerda's long, perilous journey to save him is not one of physical combat, but of emotional resilience and the refusal to give up on someone she loves. While the imagery is magical and wintery, the core message is about the grit required to maintain empathy in a world that can often feel freezing and indifferent. It is a sophisticated fairy tale suitable for elementary and middle schoolers who are ready for a narrative that values emotional intelligence over simple action.
