Moonpie and Ivy

Reach for this book when your child is processing a major family disruption, specifically feelings of abandonment or the sting of a parent who is physically or emotionally unavailable. It provides a safe space to explore the complicated mix of resentment and longing that comes when a caregiver fails to meet a child's needs. Twelve-year-old Pearl finds herself abruptly left with an aunt she barely knows while her mother chases a new life. As Pearl navigates this unfamiliar territory, she meets Moonpie, a neighbor who understands what it means to be different. The story is a realistic, poignant look at how 'family' can be found in people who choose to stay, rather than just those who are related by blood. It is perfect for middle-grade readers (ages 8-12) who need to see that their worth is not defined by a parent's choices.