Ivy in the Shadows

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the realization that their family's financial situation or their closest friendships are shifting in ways they cannot control. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, the story follows twelve year old Ivy as she navigates the sting of being left behind by a best friend who has outpaced her in maturity and the anxiety of her family taking in a boarder to make ends meet. It is a poignant look at the loss of childhood innocence and the resilience required to find beauty in unexpected places. Parents will appreciate how the book validates the 'middle school transition' where interests diverge and social hierarchies begin to sting. Ivy's struggle with her family's money troubles is handled with sensitivity, making it a perfect tool for opening conversations about financial stress and empathy. While historical, the emotional core of 'not being enough' or 'having enough' is timeless and deeply resonant for children ages 8 to 12.