About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle-schooler is grappling with the weight of grief or searching for a sense of agency when their home life feels restrictive. Set in the wake of the devastating 1888 Children's Blizzard, the story follows Hannah and Isaac, two teenagers who find refuge in the home of an unconventional woman after experiencing profound loss and family instability. It is a poignant exploration of how young people find the courage to define their own futures when their worlds have been upended by tragedy. This historical novel is best suited for children ages 10 to 14, as it balances the harsh realities of frontier survival with themes of resilience and independence. Parents might choose this title to help a child process complicated emotions regarding sibling loss or to discuss the concept of found family. It provides a safe, reflective space to witness characters who, despite their trauma, learn to navigate the difficult transition from being a victim of circumstance to an architect of their own life.
