Funerals & Fly Fishing

Reach for this book if your child is facing a summer of change, struggling with self-consciousness, or navigating a new relationship with an older relative. It is an ideal choice for the 'middle-grade bridge' phase when kids feel too old for childhood games but are still finding their footing in the social world. The story follows twelve-year-old Brad as he is sent to spend the summer with a grandfather he has never met: a man who runs a funeral home and has a passion for fly fishing. While the title mentions funerals, the tone is surprisingly humorous and grounded in reality. The book explores themes of bullying, family secrets, and the unexpected ways we find common ground with people who seem completely different from us. It is a gentle but honest look at growing up, overcoming social anxiety, and learning that even the most awkward situations can lead to personal growth. Parents will appreciate the way it models intergenerational bonding and emotional resilience without being overly sentimental.