Blue

A parent would reach for Blue when their child is facing a serious medical challenge or struggling with the weight of adult responsibilities while a parent is away. Set in 1944, it follows young Ann Fay Honeycutt as she tries to be the man of the house while her father is fighting in World War II. When a polio epidemic strikes her North Carolina town and Ann Fay herself, she must find a new kind of courage. This book is a powerful tool for discussing resilience, the unpredictability of illness, and the strength found in unexpected friendships. It is deeply moving and appropriate for middle grade readers, offering a realistic but ultimately hopeful look at overcoming life altering obstacles.