Jacob Have I Loved

Reach for this book when your child feels overshadowed by a sibling or peer who seems to effortlessly capture everyone's attention and praise. It is an essential resource for the child who feels like second best or struggles with the quiet resentment of being 'the dependable one' while others are celebrated. Set on a remote island during World War II, the story follows Louise, a girl who feels her twin sister Caroline has stolen her health, her voice, and her place in the family heart. While the setting is historical, the emotional landscape is timeless. It explores the darker sides of sibling rivalry, including jealousy and the guilt that comes with it, without offering easy or saccharine answers. This is a sophisticated coming of age story that validates the pain of feeling unseen. It is best suited for middle and high schoolers who are ready to grapple with complex family dynamics and the difficult process of carving out an identity separate from their family's expectations.