Billy Creekmore

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with questions about where they belong or is beginning to notice the injustices of the world. It is a powerful choice for children who feel different or who are navigating transitions such as foster care, adoption, or moving to a new community. Set in the early 1900s, the story follows Billy from a bleak West Virginia orphanage to a traveling circus and finally to the dangerous glass factories of the era. It is a rich exploration of identity, the search for family, and the grit required to maintain hope in difficult circumstances. While it deals with some heavy themes of child labor and loss, it remains grounded in Billy's resilient spirit. It offers parents a way to discuss historical reality, the importance of inner strength, and the many ways we can define 'home.' Recommended for mature middle-grade readers aged 10 to 13.