For children navigating change or seeking inner peace, this gentle tale encourages kindness, self-discovery, and finding joy in simple moments and new friendships.
When family life feels unsettled and your child needs a story about finding peace, this classic tale offers a gentle refuge. It's for the child who is sensitive to unspoken tension at home and could benefit from seeing a path toward healing and reconciliation. The story follows a mother, Susanna, who takes her young daughter, Sue, to live in a peaceful Shaker community to escape marital strife. There, they discover the healing power of simplicity, nature, and a kind community. This quiet, historical novel is a comforting choice for ages 8-12, modeling how to find stability and joy even when life feels uncertain.
The central issue is marital conflict and temporary separation. It is handled with extreme gentleness, seen primarily through the child's awareness of her mother's sadness rather than overt arguments. The Shaker community's religious beliefs are presented as a framework for their peaceful, alternative lifestyle, not as a tool for proselytizing. The resolution is hopeful and reinforces the value of the family unit.
Ideal Reader
An introspective, sensitive child aged 9-11 who feels the emotional currents in their family. This book is perfect for a child experiencing the stress of parental conflict (not necessarily divorce) who needs reassurance that sadness is temporary and that peaceful solutions are possible.
Parent Prep
A brief, simple explanation of who the Shakers were might be helpful context for a modern reader. The book can otherwise be read cold. The reasons for the parental conflict remain vague, which is age-appropriate, but a parent should be prepared for potential questions about why the mother was so unhappy at home. A parent notices their child has become withdrawn or is acting out due to tension at home. The parent may have heard their child say something like, "Why are you and Dad always so quiet and sad?" and wants a story to open a conversation about healing.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will connect with Sue's experience: making new friends, learning new chores, and exploring a fascinating new place. An older reader (10-12) will better understand the emotional subtext of Susanna's healing journey and the philosophical appeal of the Shaker's structured, peaceful life as a contrast to the chaotic outside world.
What Makes It Special
Unlike contemporary books on family strife that often focus on processing anger or navigating logistics, this book's unique angle is its focus on therapeutic environment. The Shaker village itself is a character, offering a blueprint for how peace, order, and community can provide the space needed for emotional wounds to mend. The historical setting provides a safe, gentle distance from the child's immediate reality.
Read plot summary
A mother, Susanna, is experiencing significant marital distress. To find peace and perspective, she takes her young daughter, Sue, for an extended stay in a Shaker village. The narrative follows their gentle immersion into this orderly, spiritual community. Through simple work, quiet reflection, and the kindness of the Shaker Elders and children, both mother and daughter begin to heal. The story culminates with the arrival of the husband and father, leading to a quiet reconciliation and the family's hopeful reunion.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Why do you think Susanna chose to take Sue to the Shaker village instead of somewhere else, like the seaside or a big city?
2
Sue's life in the village is very different from her life at home. What were some of the biggest changes for her, and which ones do you think she liked the most?
3
We see Sue's mother slowly become happier during her stay. What specific moments or activities in the village do you think helped her heal?
4
The Shakers believed in living a very simple, orderly life. If you had to live that way for a month, what do you think would be the best part? What would be the most difficult part?
