Going Where It's Dark

Reach for this book when your child is facing a heavy moral dilemma or is struggling with the burden of keeping a secret for the right reasons. It is the perfect tool for discussing why sometimes the rules and what is right are not the same thing. The story follows Marty, a young boy in rural West Virginia, who finds a beagle pup being mistreated by a neighbor and decides to hide the dog to protect it. While the plot focuses on saving an animal, the heart of the book is about the weight of guilt and the complexity of integrity. Marty must navigate lying to his parents to keep the dog safe, which creates a rich landscape for discussing honesty and empathy. It is ideal for children ages 8 to 12 who are starting to see the world in shades of gray rather than just black and white.