International House of Dereliction, The

Reach for this book when your child is navigating a major life transition, like moving to a new town or feeling isolated in their neighborhood. It is particularly resonant for children who process their emotions through tactile activities, like building or fixing things, and those who find comfort in the 'unseen' world. The story follows ten-year-old Alice, a gifted handyman, as she moves into a new home and discovers that the derelict house next door is inhabited by ghosts who need her help. While the book touches on themes of loneliness and historical grief, it is primarily a story of agency and restoration. Through her efforts to repair the physical structure of the neighboring house, Alice finds a way to mend her own sense of belonging. It is a sophisticated but accessible middle-grade read that balances the spooky elements of a ghost story with the grounded, satisfying details of carpentry and historical preservation. It is a wonderful choice for fostering conversations about empathy, the history of places, and finding one's purpose in a new environment.