Shadow-Catcher

Reach for this book when your child begins to push against the boundaries of home and seeks a mentor who sees them as an emerging adult. Set in 1892, this historical mystery follows Jonathan as he leaves his Maine farm to assist his grandfather, a traveling photographer. It is a quiet but compelling exploration of the bridge between childhood and independence. Through the lens of a primitive camera, Jonathan learns to observe the world with patience and integrity while unraveling a local mystery. Parents will appreciate the respectful depiction of the grandfather-grandson bond and the subtle way it teaches that growing up requires both courage and a keen eye for the truth. It is perfectly suited for readers aged 8 to 12 who enjoy a slower-paced, atmospheric story about discovering one's place in a changing world.