Crossing to Paradise

Reach for this book when your child is standing on the threshold of independence or struggling to recognize their own inherent worth. Gatty is an illiterate peasant girl in medieval England whose extraordinary singing voice catapults her from a life of farm labor into a breathtaking pilgrimage across Europe to Jerusalem. Through her eyes, readers explore the vastness of the world and the depth of the human spirit. It is a masterful exploration of self-actualization, faith, and the courage required to step into a larger life. While historical in setting, the emotional core focuses on the universal transition from being a passive observer to an active participant in one's own destiny. It is ideal for middle schoolers ready for a rich, atmospheric, and intellectually stimulating journey.