A Million Miles from Boston

Reach for this book when your child is facing a major life transition, specifically the introduction of a new partner into a single parent's life or the daunting shift into middle school. This story follows Lucy as she attempts to enjoy her final summer of childhood at her family's Maine cottage, only to find her sanctuary disrupted by her father's new girlfriend and her son. It beautifully addresses the messy, complicated feelings of territoriality and grief that surface when a family dynamic begins to change. Lucy's journey is a grounded exploration of letting go of the past to make room for a new kind of future. It is particularly appropriate for the 8 to 12 age range because it mirrors the internal tug-of-war between wanting to stay a kid and needing to grow up. Parents will appreciate how the book validates a child's resistance to change without vilifying the adults involved, providing a gentle roadmap for navigating blended family transitions and the lingering shadow of loss.