About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is facing a major life transition, such as moving to a new town or coping with the loss of a primary caregiver. It is a gentle, soulful story about Theo, a sixth-grader who must navigate a cold relationship with his uncle in a new town after being orphaned. Through the discovery of a hidden piano and the budding friendship with a baseball-loving girl named Anabel, Theo learns that belonging is something you can build for yourself even when your world has been upended. This historical fiction title is ideal for children ages 8 to 12 who appreciate quiet, character-driven stories. It addresses grief and the isolation of being the 'new kid' with great sensitivity, making it a wonderful tool for parents looking to normalize feelings of loneliness. While the backdrop includes themes of war and loss, the focus remains on resilience, the healing power of art, and the unexpected ways strangers can become family.
