The Wild Path

Reach for this book if your child is navigating the complicated emotions of a family member's struggle with addiction or if they are feeling the weight of changes they cannot control. This sensitive story follows twelve-year-old Claire, whose older brother is in rehab and whose family is on the verge of selling their beloved horses. To cope with her 'flutter feeling' of anxiety, Claire searches for a legendary herd of wild horses in the woods, hoping to find a way to keep her family and their animals together. Through Claire's journey, the book addresses the reality of the opioid crisis and family recovery with immense grace and hope. It is a perfect choice for middle-grade readers who need to know that while they cannot fix their loved ones, they can find their own strength and community. The story validates the anxiety children feel when home life is unpredictable while offering a path toward resilience.