Books Like Cloud and Wallfish

About Cloud and Wallfish

Reach for this book when your child is navigating a major life transition, struggling with a speech difference, or starting to ask complex questions about truth and authority. This historical mystery follows eleven-year-old Noah as his parents whisk him away to East Berlin under a false identity. Forced to follow strict rules to stay safe from the secret police, Noah must find his own voice while navigating a world where the adults are keeping dangerous secrets. It is a masterful exploration of identity and courage for middle-grade readers. Beyond the Cold War intrigue, the story deeply resonates with any child who feels like an outsider. Noah's 'Astonishing Stutter' is handled with incredible empathy, showing how he communicates in a world designed to keep him silent. It is an ideal pick for ages 10 to 14, offering a sophisticated look at history through the lens of a child trying to figure out which version of reality to trust. Parents will appreciate how it balances high-stakes tension with a warm, grounded friendship.