Shades of Gray

Reach for this book when your child is struggling with rigid, black and white thinking or feeling a deep sense of betrayal following a family conflict. Set in the immediate aftermath of the Civil War, the story follows twelve-year-old Will Page, who has lost everything and must live with an uncle he considers a coward and a traitor. This is a profound exploration of how we define courage and how grief can often masquerade as anger. It is particularly suited for middle schoolers who are beginning to navigate the complex nuances of adult decisions and the realization that 'right' and 'wrong' are rarely simple categories. Parents will find it a valuable tool for discussing empathy, the weight of personal conviction, and the slow process of healing from trauma and prejudice. It offers a realistic look at reconstruction-era life while focusing deeply on the internal reconstruction of a young boy's heart.