Clearing Weather

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the weight of expectations or feels that their family's future rests on their shoulders. Set in the uncertain years following the American Revolution, this Newbery Honor classic follows young Nicholas Drury as he attempts to save his family's struggling shipyard by building a ship to trade with the Far East. It is a story of grit, community collaboration, and the immense pressure of young adulthood. Parents will appreciate the way it models fiscal responsibility and the importance of perseverance in the face of economic hardship. While the language is sophisticated, the message of resilience and finding one's footing in a changing world remains deeply relevant for middle schoolers facing their own transitions.