Fourmile

Reach for this book when your child is struggling with a volatile home environment or feeling a sense of powerlessness against a bully. It is a powerful choice for preteens who are navigating the complexities of a blended family or mourning the loss of a parent while facing new, unwelcome changes in their household. Foster is a twelve year old boy living on an Alabama farm, dealing with his father's death and his mother's aggressive boyfriend, Dax. When a mysterious veteran named Gary arrives, Foster begins to learn what it means to find quiet strength and when it is necessary to stand up for himself. This story is gritty and emotionally honest, making it best suited for middle schoolers. It offers a realistic look at resilience, the weight of grief, and the importance of finding positive male role models during times of crisis.