Joshua's Song

Reach for this book when your child is facing a sudden upheaval in family status or the death of a primary provider. It is an ideal choice for middle-grade readers who are beginning to understand the weight of responsibility and the reality that life can change in an instant. Set against the backdrop of 1919 Boston, the story follows Joshua, a boy from a wealthy family who must pivot from his dreams of singing to selling newspapers on the street after his father's sudden death from the Spanish Flu. This historical novel gently explores themes of class transition, grief, and the courage required to help one's family through financial hardship. Parents will appreciate how the story validates a child's sense of loss while modeling a path toward resilience and pride in hard work. It is particularly appropriate for ages 8 to 12, offering a safe space to discuss how families can stay strong when their world is turned upside down by illness or economic shifts.