Strike Two

A parent might reach for this book when their child is caught in the middle of a loyalty-testing adult conflict, such as a family feud or parental disagreement. The story follows twelve-year-old Haley, whose summer dreams of playing softball with her best friend and cousin, Gwen, are shattered when a newspaper strike puts their fathers on opposite sides. Haley's dad is on the picket line while her uncle crosses it, creating a rift that tears through their close-knit family and forces the girls to navigate a complicated world of anger, loyalty, and fairness. Appropriate for ages 8 to 12, "Strike Two" offers a gentle yet honest look at how big-world problems can have a very personal impact on a child's life. It's an excellent choice for opening conversations about complex family dynamics, financial stress, and the idea that good people can disagree. The book validates a child's feelings of confusion and helplessness while providing a hopeful, realistic model for finding one's own voice and resilience amidst turmoil.