Gingersnap

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the 'in-between' feelings of a family transition, especially the deployment of a loved one or a move to an unfamiliar place. Set against the backdrop of World War II, it tells the story of nine-year-old Jayna, who feels adrift when her older brother and only guardian, Rob, goes off to war. Left with a cold landlady, Jayna follows a mysterious clue to a bakery in Brooklyn, hoping to find the grandmother she never knew. It is a gentle exploration of loneliness, the search for belonging, and the resilience required to build a chosen family during uncertain times. The prose is lyrical and comforting, making it an ideal choice for middle-grade readers who appreciate a historical mystery with a deep emotional core. Parents will find it a perfect bridge for discussing how we stay connected to those we love even when they are far away.