Somewhere Among

Reach for this book when your child feels like they are caught between two worlds, whether that is due to a mixed heritage, moving to a new place, or simply feeling like an outsider in their own community. This moving novel in verse follows Ema, a girl with an American mother and a Japanese father living in Japan. As she navigates the complexities of her bicultural identity, Ema must also process the world-altering events of September 11, 2001, from across the ocean. Written with gentle precision, the story explores themes of belonging, family expectations, and the quiet anxiety of witnessing global turmoil. It is perfectly suited for readers aged 9 to 12 who are beginning to notice the nuances of their own identities and the interconnectedness of the world. Parents will appreciate how it models emotional resilience and the importance of finding one's own voice amidst the noise of two different cultures.