Someone Else's Shoes

Reach for this book when your child starts noticing that adults do not always have it all together, or when your family is navigating the ripples of a separation or financial shift. The story follows young characters who are forced to look beyond their own immediate pains to see the hidden burdens carried by the people around them. It is a poignant exploration of empathy, family secrets, and the realization that parents are complex individuals with their own histories and flaws. Wittlinger handles the heavy themes of depression and family instability with a steady, compassionate hand, making it ideal for the 10 to 14 age range. Parents will appreciate how the narrative encourages kids to step into 'someone else's shoes' without feeling preachy. It is a beautiful tool for opening up honest conversations about forgiveness and the fact that while we cannot always fix our parents' problems, we can learn to understand them.