Thunderwith

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with a profound sense of displacement, whether from the loss of a parent or the difficult transition into a blended family. It provides a mirror for the deep isolation a teenager feels when their world is upended and they are forced to find their footing in a home where they feel like an outsider. The story follows young Annie, who moves to the rugged Australian outback to live with a father she barely knows after her mother's death. As she navigates a cold stepmother and bullying peers, she finds a magical connection with a mysterious dog named Thunderwith. This is a realistic and emotionally resonant choice for ages 11 to 15, offering a path toward resilience through the healing power of nature and unexpected companionship. Parents will appreciate its honest, unsentimental approach to grief and the gradual, hard won process of belonging.