Two Roads

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with a hidden part of their identity or navigating a major life transition that feels outside of their control. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, the story follows twelve-year-old Cal as he discovers his Creek heritage while traveling with his father, a veteran living as a hobo. When Cal is sent to an Indian boarding school, he must navigate a world designed to strip away his individuality while finding strength in his newly discovered roots. This is a profound choice for middle schoolers ready to explore the intersection of personal identity and historical injustice. It masterfully balances the heavy realities of poverty and prejudice with a hopeful message about the enduring power of family bonds and the resilience of the human spirit.