The Wrong Way Home

Reach for this book when your child is beginning to question the rules of their world or is struggling to understand why some families operate differently than others. It is a powerful tool for children navigating high-control environments, whether that be a strict social circle or a literal insular community. The story follows Fern, a girl who believes she lives in a paradise called Palm Canyon, only to discover it is actually a cult. When her mother whisks them away to the outside world, Fern must unlearn everything she thought was true. This book handles complex themes of manipulation and gaslighting with incredible grace, making it a safe space for middle grade readers to explore the concepts of autonomy and critical thinking. It is a hopeful guide for any child learning that loving someone does not mean you have to believe everything they tell you.