Leif's Journey

A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is clashing with a parent who seems rigid, emotionally distant, or stuck in traditional ways. It is particularly resonant for families experiencing the tension between honoring older generations and carving out a modern path, especially in the context of manual labor or a family business. The story follows nineteen-year-old Leif as he navigates the heavy expectations of his immigrant father while trying to save the family farm. It explores themes of intergenerational trauma, the silent language of hard work, and the complex love that exists even when words fail. Suitable for ages 12 and up, this is a grounded, realistic look at the moment a young adult must decide whether to walk away from their heritage or fight to heal it.