Sparks Fly Upward

Reach for this book when your child is facing a significant life transition, financial hardship, or the daunting prospect of moving to a new and unfamiliar place. Set in 1910, the story follows young Janni as her family leaves their farm for the city of Winnipeg after her father falls ill. It is a poignant exploration of resilience, the shifting roles within a family during a crisis, and the search for belonging in a world that feels increasingly cold and foreign. While the historical setting provides a safe distance, the emotional core is deeply relatable for modern children ages 9 to 12 who feel the weight of family stress. Janni's journey from isolation to finding her voice through storytelling offers a powerful model for processing change. Parents will appreciate the book's honest but hopeful portrayal of Jewish immigrant life and the way it validates a child's complex feelings of fear and bravery when their world is turned upside down.