Home Away from Home

A parent might reach for this book when their child is struggling with the loneliness and uncertainty that comes with moving to a new place. The story follows 11-year-old Francie, who feels lost after her family relocates to a coastal Maine inn. She finds a sense of purpose when she discovers a colony of feral cats and teams up with a new, initially prickly, friend to protect them. This gentle, character-driven novel beautifully explores themes of belonging, empathy, and resilience. It is a perfect choice for sensitive readers, modeling how shared purpose can build friendships and turn a new house into a true home.