Breadcrumbs

Reach for this book when your child feels they are losing their best friend to the confusing changes of growing up. Anne Ursu captures the poignant ache of childhood friendships drifting apart as interests shift and social circles tighten. The story follows Hazel, a girl who feels like an outsider, as she journeys into a dangerous wintry woods to rescue her best friend Jack from an icy enchantment. It is a sophisticated reimagining of The Snow Queen that mirrors the internal landscape of a preteen dealing with loneliness and change. Parents will find this an invaluable tool for validating the grief of a shifting social life while encouraging their child to find their own inner strength. Best suited for ages 9 to 12, it provides a safe, metaphorical space to discuss the complexities of growing up and the courage required to let go when necessary.