No Promises in the Wind

Reach for this book when your child is struggling with feelings of resentment toward parental authority or is feeling the weight of adult responsibilities too soon. Set against the harsh backdrop of the 1932 Great Depression, the story follows fifteen year old Josh and his younger brother Joey as they run away to escape their father's anger and the crushing grip of poverty. While the journey is difficult, the narrative is ultimately one of profound reconciliation and the realization that parents are fallible human beings doing their best under pressure. It is a powerful tool for teaching empathy and understanding within the family unit. Recommended for ages 10 to 14, this classic novel helps middle schoolers navigate the messy transition from childhood anger to adult forgiveness.