Nothing Here but Stones

Reach for this book when your child is facing a significant life transition, such as moving to a new city or dealing with the disappointment of a situation that did not turn out as promised. It is an ideal choice for readers who feel like outsiders or those struggling with the weight of family expectations during hard times. Emma's story offers a gentle but firm reminder that inner strength is often discovered in the most inhospitable places. Set in 1882, the story follows young Emma as her family flees religious persecution in Russia only to find a different kind of hardship in the Colorado mountains. The agricultural colony they were promised is nothing but rocks and thin air. Through the lens of Emma's bond with a horse she saves, the novel explores themes of resilience, cultural identity, and the grit required to build a home from scratch. It is appropriate for middle grade readers (ages 8 to 12) who are ready for a realistic historical narrative that balances honest struggle with a hopeful conclusion.