A Year Without Mom

Reach for this book when your child is facing a long-term separation from a parent or navigating a major life transition that feels beyond their control. This graphic memoir follows twelve year old Dasha in 1990s Moscow as she balances the everyday trials of middle school with the heavy reality of her mother being away in America for a year. It beautifully captures the dual nature of growing up: the personal ache of missing a loved one alongside the external shifts of a world in political flux. Parents will appreciate how the story validates feelings of abandonment and anxiety while modeling resilience. It is a gentle yet honest tool for helping children ages 10 to 14 understand that while life may change in scary ways, family bonds and inner strength remain constant. The simple art style makes complex emotions accessible and less overwhelming for sensitive readers.