Tommy connects with readers through his struggle to balance stickball games with the heavy anxiety of his mother's illness. The 1940s setting feels vivid because the story captures the specific tension of war news and family duty. Books in this family share an honest look at historical life where domestic crises meet world events.
A parent would reach for this book when their child is struggling to balance the weight of a loved one's chronic illness with the everyday demands of school and social life. Set in 1940, the story follows thirteen-year-old Tommy as he navigates the worsening multiple sclerosis of his mother while the shadow of World War II looms in the background. It is an excellent choice for middle-grade readers who feel overwhelmed by things they cannot control. Adler masterfully captures the tension of wanting to remain a kid, obsessed with stickball and radio broadcasts, while being forced to mature due to family hardship. This book offers a realistic yet comforting look at resilience and the importance of finding joy in small moments during difficult times.
