To the Green Mountains

Reach for this book when your child expresses a quiet, persistent longing for 'home' or a sense of displacement even when they are safe. It is an ideal choice for the sensitive middle-grader who feels like an observer in their own life, or for a family navigating a period of transition where the future feels uncertain. Set in the early 20th century, the story follows young Kath Rule as she navigates life in her mother's Ohio hotel, all while dreaming of the lush Green Mountains of New Hampshire. This is a deeply atmospheric and introspective novel that validates the complex emotions of adolescence. It explores themes of belonging, the subtle tensions of adult relationships as seen through a child's eyes, and the power of memory and hope. Parents will appreciate the book's sophisticated prose and its respectful treatment of a young girl's internal world. It is a slow, thoughtful read that encourages patience and emotional curiosity in children ages 9 to 13.