Foreverland

A parent should reach for this book when their child is expressing a desire to escape the pressures of growing up or when a family member is struggling with chronic health issues. Through the story of twelve year old Margaret, who runs away to an amusement park to avoid the heavy atmosphere of her home, the narrative explores how anxiety and love are often two sides of the same coin. This book is particularly effective for middle grade readers who feel they must be perfect or stoic in the face of family stress. While the premise involves running away, the story is deeply grounded in emotional reality and the importance of finding safe people to talk to. Parents will appreciate how the book validates a child's need for autonomy and space to process big changes without being didactic. It is a gentle but honest look at how kids navigate the transition to adolescence when the world feels like it is moving too fast.