About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their child is navigating family instability or financial hardship and needs a story of hope and personal agency. Twelve-year-old Jay feels adrift as his family struggles after his father loses his job. He finds purpose in caring for his grandfather's racing pigeons, particularly a gifted bird named Manhattan. In secret, Jay decides to train Manhattan for a high-stakes race, believing the prize money could solve his family's problems. The story gently explores themes of resilience, responsibility, and the stress of financial insecurity through a child's eyes. It is an excellent choice for readers aged 9-12, offering a heartwarming and empowering tale about finding your own strength and making a difference when the world feels out of your control.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The primary sensitive topic is family financial hardship and parental unemployment. The book approaches this directly but through the child's perspective, focusing on the emotional climate of the home (arguments, sadness, tension) rather than the specifics of finance. The approach is entirely secular. The resolution is hopeful and realistic: winning the race provides a financial cushion and, more importantly, restores family hope and communication, but it is not presented as a magic solution to all problems.
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