The Dry

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the weight of family responsibility or seeking to understand the quiet strength required to face an uncertain future. This historical fantasy follows twelve-year-old Elliot as he navigates the rugged West Virginia landscape of 1895 to find his missing father. What begins as a gritty search for family turns into an imaginative underground epic involving warring insect kingdoms. It is an ideal choice for middle-grade readers who enjoy stories where historical realism meets high-stakes fantasy. Parents will appreciate the book's focus on perseverance, loyalty, and the complex bond between fathers and sons. While the adventure is thrilling, the heart of the story lies in Elliot's emotional journey as he finds his own voice and courage in the darkness.