Behind the Mountains

Reach for this book when your child is navigating a significant life transition, especially one involving a move, a long-distance family separation, or the feeling of being an outsider in a new environment. Through the intimate diary of thirteen-year-old Celiane, the story explores the bittersweet reality of leaving a beloved home in Haiti to reunite with a father in Brooklyn. It provides a safe space for middle schoolers to process feelings of displacement, the anxiety of political unrest, and the complex joy of family reunions. While the book touches on serious themes like political violence and the immigrant struggle, it remains grounded in Celiane's resilient and observant voice. It is an excellent choice for children aged 9 to 14 who are developing their own sense of identity and heritage. Parents will find it a valuable tool for normalizing the 'in-between' feelings that come with starting over, while celebrating the strength found in family bonds and cultural roots.