Speranza's Sweater

A parent or caregiver would reach for this book when a child is experiencing the transition into foster care, kinship care, or any significant displacement from their primary home. It is a vital resource for navigating the complex feelings of 'not belonging' or the fear that they have been forgotten by those they love. Through the story of Speranza and her unravelling sweater, children find a vocabulary for their grief and a visual representation of how memories and love can be reshaped into a new future. Appropriate for children ages 4 to 10, the book uses a gentle, metaphorical approach to explain why families sometimes need to be apart and how a child's identity can remain intact through change. It serves as a bridge for difficult conversations, helping children understand that their feelings of sadness and hope can exist at the same time. Parents will choose this for its honesty, its focus on resilience, and its ability to provide comfort during times of profound family upheaval.