The Voyage of the Frog

A parent would reach for this book when their child is grappling with the quiet, heavy aftermath of losing a mentor or relative and needs to see a path through the storm. It is a powerful tool for middle schoolers who feel overwhelmed by grief or the sudden weight of growing up and taking on adult responsibilities. The story follows fourteen year old David as he sets out on a small sailboat to honor his late uncle's final wish, only to be swept into the open Pacific by a sudden storm. This is a story about the intersection of external survival and internal healing. David must master the mechanics of the boat and the whims of nature while simultaneously processing his uncle's death from cancer. It is deeply realistic, emphasizing that bravery is often just the refusal to give up. Parents will appreciate how it validates the messy, non linear nature of mourning within a high stakes adventure.