The Journey Back

Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the aftermath of a major mistake or feels defined by a past failure. Digger, recently released from a juvenile detention center, attempts to run away rather than face the difficult reality of his home life and the weight of his previous crimes. It is a raw, honest look at the messy process of earning back trust and finding one's own moral compass when the path forward feels impossible. While the story is a high-stakes survival adventure involving a daring escape and life on the road, the true heart of the narrative is about the internal work of redemption. It explores the difference between running away from guilt and walking toward accountability. For parents of middle schoolers, this book provides a safe space to discuss the long-term consequences of peer pressure and the courage required to start over.