The Castle Behind Thorns

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the weight of an old grudge or struggling to see how their unique skills can help fix a seemingly impossible situation. This story explores the intersection of physical restoration and emotional healing as two teenagers find themselves trapped in a broken, magical castle. While Sand has the gift of mending objects, Perrotte must find the strength to mend her own spirit and forgive those who failed her in the past. It is an ideal choice for middle grade readers who enjoy high stakes fantasy but are ready for deeper conversations about resilience, the ethics of forgiveness, and the satisfaction of hard work. Parents will appreciate the way it balances magical wonder with grounded, realistic emotional growth, making it a sophisticated yet accessible read for the 8 to 12 age range.