The Distance to Home

A parent should reach for this book when their child is navigating the messy, quiet aftermath of a significant loss and struggling to reconnect with the hobbies or passions they once shared with that loved one. It is a deeply resonant choice for children who feel stuck in their grief while the rest of the world seems to be moving on without them. The story follows Quinnen, a young baseball player who has stopped playing the game she loves following the sudden death of her sister, Haley. As Quinnen navigates a summer filled with memories, a new friendship with a boy named Brandon, and the pressure of a local baseball camp, she begins to realize that moving forward doesn't mean forgetting. This is an excellent tool for normalizing the 'waves' of grief, where sadness and joy can exist at the same time. While it deals with a heavy subject, the tone remains grounded and hopeful, making it appropriate for readers in the middle-grade range who are ready for a realistic look at family healing.