Prince Across the Water

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is struggling with a physical limitation or a chronic condition that makes them feel 'less than' their peers. It is an ideal choice for a child who needs to see that internal strength and bravery are not defined by medical labels. Set against the backdrop of the 1745 Jacobite Uprising, the story follows Duncan, a boy with epilepsy, as he navigates the brutal reality of the Battle of Culloden. While the historical setting provides high stakes adventure, the emotional heart of the book is Duncan's journey toward self-acceptance and resilience. Parents will appreciate the way the authors treat Duncan's 'falling sickness' with dignity and realism. Note that the book contains realistic depictions of 18th-century warfare, making it best suited for mature middle schoolers and high school students who are ready to discuss the costs of war and the complexities of loyalty.