Families who loved A Long Way Home by Nancy Price Graff often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the isolation of a military move or the complicated feelings of having a parent deployed in a conflict zone. Riley, a twelve-year-old boy, finds himself uprooted to a quiet Vermont town while his father serves overseas. His journey is one of internal conflict as he navigates feelings of resentment, loneliness, and a shifting understanding of what it means to be a hero. It is an ideal choice for middle-grade readers who are beginning to question the black-and-white narratives of bravery and duty they see in the media. Through Riley's eyes, parents can help their children process the nuance of personal integrity and the various ways people serve their communities. The story offers a safe, grounded space to discuss the heavy realities of war and the personal costs of standing by one's convictions.