The Light in the Lake

A parent might reach for this book when their child is grappling with the loss of a loved one, especially a sibling, and feels adrift in a world that has changed. The story follows twelve-year-old Addie, a budding scientist spending the summer trying to make sense of the death of her older brother. She is drawn to the lake he loved and the local legend of a monster living in its depths, a mystery he was trying to solve. This book beautifully braids a compelling mystery with a tender exploration of grief, family, and changing friendships. For readers 8-12, it provides a gentle, hopeful, and accessible way to explore complex emotions, using the wonders of the natural world as a backdrop for healing and self-discovery.