Sleeping with the Lights On

Reach for this book when your child is facing a major life transition, such as moving to a new country or city, and is struggling with nighttime anxiety or a fear of the unknown. It is a deeply empathetic choice for children who feel like outsiders or who are grieving the loss of a familiar home. The story follows a young boy named Davico whose family flees political unrest in Guatemala to start over in the United States, capturing the disorientation of being caught between two worlds. It beautifully balances the heavy realities of immigration with the tender, universal experience of needing a nightlight to feel safe. Ideal for children ages 9 to 12, this book provides a mirror for those in similar situations and a window for others to develop profound empathy for the immigrant experience. It is a gentle tool for normalizing the messy feelings of fear and loneliness that often accompany big life changes.