Sliding Into Home

A parent might reach for this book when their child is navigating the heartbreak of a best friend moving away. It validates the big, sad feelings that come with this change and offers a positive model for coping. The story follows Joelle, a 13-year-old whose world is shaken when her best friend moves. To deal with her loneliness, she pours all her energy into a new, difficult goal: trying out for the boys' middle school baseball team. The book thoughtfully explores themes of grief, loneliness, self-confidence, and challenging gender stereotypes. For children ages 8 to 12, it provides comfort and demonstrates how channeling energy into a passion can help build resilience and forge a new identity.