Hither and Nigh

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with a loss that others expect them to just get over, or when they feel like the only person who remembers the true version of a loved one. It is a deeply resonant choice for children who feel isolated in their grief or who possess a fierce, stubborn loyalty to their family. The story follows Nell, a seventh grader who refuses to accept that her brother is gone forever. Her journey takes her into Hither, a magical version of New York City filled with wonder and danger. While the plot is a fast-paced urban fantasy, the heart of the book is about the heavy shadow of a sibling's disappearance. It handles grief with a magical lens that makes the complex emotions of middle schoolers feel seen and validated. It is a sophisticated, hopeful choice for the 8 to 12 age range.