The Staircase

When would a parent reach for this book? Reach for this title when your adolescent is grappling with a profound sense of abandonment or the heavy silence that often follows family tragedy. Set in 1870s Santa Fe, the story follows thirteen year old Lizzy as she navigates the death of her mother, her father's subsequent emotional distance, and her placement in a convent school where she feels like an outsider. It is a deeply atmospheric exploration of grief, faith, and the slow process of rebuilding one's world. This book is particularly suited for readers aged 12 to 16 who are mature enough to handle themes of death and spiritual questioning. Parents will appreciate how the narrative validates the anger and loneliness that accompany loss while offering a historical perspective on resilience. It ultimately provides a sense of quiet hope, anchored by the mystery of the famous Miraculous Staircase of the Loretto Chapel.