The Perilous Road

Reach for this book when your child is struggling with rigid 'us versus them' thinking or experiencing intense resentment toward those they perceive as the enemy. This Newbery Honor classic offers a grounded way to discuss how prejudice can cloud our judgment and lead to unintended consequences for the people we love most. Fourteen-year-old Chris is consumed by a burning hatred for the Union soldiers occupying his Tennessee home. When he attempts to sabotage a Yankee supply train to help the Confederates, he discovers that his own brother is likely among the targets. This realization forces a painful but necessary shift from blind ideology to human empathy. It is an ideal pick for middle-schoolers (ages 9-13) who are beginning to navigate complex moral dilemmas and the heavy realization that life is rarely as simple as good guys versus bad guys. You will find it a powerful tool for modeling emotional growth and the courage required to admit when one is wrong.