Boy with a Pack

Reach for this book when your middle schooler is beginning to navigate the weight of personal integrity and the daunting reality of making their own way in the world. This Newbery Honor classic follows Bill Crawford, a young man who sets out on a thousand mile journey from New Hampshire to Ohio in the 1830s. Carrying a heavy pack and a heavier sense of duty, Bill faces the harsh realities of a frontier nation, from the physical dangers of the wilderness to the moral complexities of the Underground Railroad. It is an ideal choice for the child who feels ready for more independence but needs to see a model of resilience and quiet bravery. Parents will appreciate how the story explores the cost of freedom and the importance of standing up for others, even when it is difficult. While the setting is historical, the emotional themes of self reliance and choosing the right path are timeless and deeply resonant for ages 10 to 14.