Any Sign of Life

Reach for this book when your middle-schooler is beginning to question the fairness of the world or feels unheard by the adults in their life. It is an ideal choice for the child who seeks a grand adventure but also needs to process complex feelings about justice, independence, and the realization that authority figures are not always right. Through a rich fantasy lens, it validates a pre-teen's growing desire for agency. The story follows two seventh-graders who venture into the Impassable Wilderness of Portland to rescue a kidnapped baby. They find themselves caught between warring factions of animals and mystical beings. While the setting is magical, the emotional core deals with loyalty and the courage required to stand up for what is right even when the stakes are high. It is a sophisticated read for ages 9 to 13, blending classic folklore vibes with contemporary emotional resonance.