The Ransom of Mercy Carter

Reach for this book when your child is facing a massive, unwelcome transition or is struggling to reconcile two different parts of their identity. This historical novel follows Mercy Carter after she is captured during a 1704 raid and forced on a grueling winter march to Canada. Beyond the survival adventure, it is a sophisticated exploration of 'Stockholm Syndrome' and cultural assimilation as Mercy begins to find beauty and belonging in the Mohawk way of life. It is an intense but rewarding read for middle schoolers that prompts deep thinking about what makes a family and how we define 'home' when our world is turned upside down. Parents will appreciate how it challenges the 'us versus them' narrative through a lens of resilience and empathy.