Mercy's Mill

A parent might reach for this book when their child is struggling to find their place in a newly blended or changing family dynamic. Mercy's Mill follows Sarah, who feels like an outsider after her mother remarries and they take in a young foster sister, Liss. While exploring the old mill on their new property, she meets a mysterious boy named Mercy who claims to have time-traveled from the 1830s. As Sarah helps Mercy navigate the modern world, she begins to see parallels with her own feelings of displacement and loneliness. This thoughtful story blends historical fiction, mystery, and contemporary family drama, making it a unique choice for readers aged 9-12 who are grappling with feelings of belonging and empathy.