The Letter in the Attic

Reach for this book when your child is struggling with a major life transition, such as a move to a new country or city, and feels like an outsider in their own life. It is particularly helpful for kids who feel misunderstood or who have a strong sense of justice and want to make things right. The story follows ten year old Oliver as he discovers a trunk in his new English home and begins a time-slip correspondence with William, a boy from 1880 who was wrongly accused of a family tragedy. Through their letters, the book explores themes of loneliness, empathy, and the importance of clearing ones name. It is a gentle but gripping mystery that validates the sadness of leaving home while offering a sense of purpose and connection across generations. Parents will appreciate how it handles the weight of the past with hope and historical curiosity, making it a perfect bridge for middle grade readers who enjoy history with a touch of the supernatural.