Alive and Well in Prague, New York

Reach for this book when your teenager is feeling 'uprooted' by a family crisis or a sudden move. It is particularly resonant for families navigating the emotional fallout of a parent's serious medical diagnosis. The story follows Matilda, a girl who is forced to move from the vibrant culture of New York City to a tiny, quiet town while her father undergoes treatment for Lyme disease. It beautifully captures the resentment and loneliness that comes with forced change. You might choose this book to help your child process the invisible weight of a parent's illness and to show them that it is okay to feel angry about circumstances beyond their control. It is a realistic, contemporary story for ages 12 to 17 that focuses on art as a tool for healing and the slow process of finding belonging in unexpected places.