Dinner at the Brake Fast

Reach for this book when your child starts noticing that a parent's sadness or depression is more than just a bad mood. It is an ideal bridge for discussing how mental health affects family dynamics without being clinical or frightening. The story follows Tacoma, a girl living at a family truck stop, who embarks on a quest to recover a stolen memento she believes will cure her father's deep depression. Through her journey with two new friends, the book explores themes of loyalty and the realization that while we can support those we love, we aren't responsible for fixing them. It is a hopeful, adventure-filled story for ages 8 to 12 that validates a child's desire to help while offering realistic perspective on recovery.