Badger on the Barge and Other Stories

A parent might reach for this collection when their thoughtful, introspective child is beginning to notice the complexities of the adult world, perhaps feeling a bit lonely or like an outsider themselves. "Badger on the Barge and Other Stories" is a beautifully written set of five tales set in Northern England, each centered on a profound, unlikely connection between a young person and an older, often isolated, adult. The stories gently explore deep emotional themes like loneliness, empathy, aging, and finding belonging in unexpected places. Appropriate for mature middle-grade readers, this book is an excellent choice for fostering empathy and opening conversations about the inner lives of others, showing that understanding can bridge any generational gap.