Hike to Home, The

Reach for this book when your child feels like a perennial outsider or struggles with the 'nomadic' nature of a modern, mobile lifestyle. If your child is weary of being the new kid and longs for a place to call home, this story offers a deeply validating perspective on finding stability within oneself and through community connections. Lin is a twelve year old whose family constantly moves for her parents research, leading her to feel untethered and lonely. Set against the backdrop of the Appalachian Trail, the story follows Lin and two new friends as they hunt for a legendary hidden treasure. Through this mystery, the book explores themes of belonging, the importance of shared history, and the realization that home is often defined by the people we choose to keep close. It is a gentle yet adventurous middle grade novel that perfectly captures the transitional anxiety of pre-adolescence.