A Different Kind of Courage

A parent should reach for this book when their child is struggling with feelings of anger or abandonment due to a necessary parental separation, such as a military deployment or long-term hospitalization. "A Different Kind of Courage" tells the story of Zena and her brother Paul, children sent away from their parents for safety in war-torn France. The book powerfully explores their journey through fear and confusion as they come to understand their parents' difficult choice was an act of profound love, not rejection. For ages 8 to 12, this historical novel provides a safe, analogous space for children to process their own feelings, reframing a painful experience into a story of resilience, family love, and immense bravery.