Dear Blue Sky

Dear Blue Sky is a poignant and timely novel told from the perspective of Cassie, an American girl whose older brother, Sef, volunteers to fight in the Iraq War. As Sef deploys, Cassie's family begins to unravel under the stress, with her mother consumed by fear, her sister turning to alcohol, and her younger brother, Jack, becoming withdrawn after a bullying incident. Through a school project, Cassie discovers the blog of Blue Sky, a 13-year-old Iraqi girl, and they become pen pals, offering each other unique insights into life during wartime. The book explores themes of family resilience, empathy, and finding courage amidst fear, without shying away from the emotional complexities of war and its impact on both sides. It's an excellent choice for opening conversations about global events and different cultures.