Cartwheeling in Thunderstorms

Reach for this book when your child feels stifled by new environments or is struggling to reconcile their 'wild' true self with the rigid expectations of a new school or culture. Willaminna, a free-spirited girl raised on a farm in Zimbabwe, is suddenly thrust into the cold, disciplined world of an English boarding school after a family tragedy. It is a powerful exploration of cultural shock, the pain of losing one's home, and the fierce resilience required to stay true to oneself when everyone else wants you to fit in. This story is ideal for children ages 9 to 12 who are navigating major life transitions or feeling like outsiders. It offers a beautiful, secular approach to grief and identity that validates the messy, untamed parts of a child's heart.