A Less Than Perfect Peace

Reach for this book when your child is struggling to adjust to a major family transition, specifically the return of a parent after a long absence or military service. While set against the dramatic backdrop of the 1871 Great Chicago Fire, the heart of the story is about the friction and 'bumpy' peace that occurs when a family tries to reintegrate. It explores themes of resilience, the complexity of hero-worship, and the reality that things rarely go back to exactly how they were before. It is an ideal choice for children aged 8 to 12 who feel anxious about shifting family dynamics or who are learning that 'normal' is something you have to rebuild together. Parents will appreciate how it validates the confusing mix of joy and frustration that comes with a loved one's return.