Closer to Nowhere

Reach for this book when your child is struggling with a changing family dynamic, whether through the arrival of a foster sibling or the feeling that their safe space is being invaded. This verse novel explores the lives of cousins Hannah and Cal. Hannah is a perfectionist gymnast who feels overlooked, while Cal is a grieving boy struggling with the trauma of his mother's death and his father's incarceration. It is an essential choice for helping children build empathy for the unseen burdens others carry. Written for middle grade readers, the story navigates complex themes of belonging, grief, and the 'invisible' wounds of childhood trauma. Parents will appreciate the way it validates the feelings of the child who was there first, while gently humanizing the child who is acting out. It offers a realistic, hopeful look at how families can heal when they learn to communicate and set boundaries with love.