Across Enemy Seas

A parent might reach for this book when their child is facing a major life change or grappling with complex feelings like guilt and fear. It offers a historical lens to explore emotions that are universally challenging for kids. The story follows two British boys, Charles and Wes, who are evacuated from London during World War II. After surviving a harrowing U-boat attack at sea, they arrive in rural Virginia, where they must navigate a new culture, their own trauma, and the surprising reality of working alongside German prisoners of war. This book is an excellent choice for readers 10-14 as it models resilience, empathy, and the difficult process of finding a sense of belonging after immense upheaval.