Water Street

Reach for this book when your child is starting to feel the weight of family legacy or the pressure of 'who they are supposed to be.' Set in 1880s Brooklyn during the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, the story follows Bird Mallon and Thomas Neary as they navigate the transition into young adulthood. Bird is expected to follow her mother's footsteps into healing and midwifery, while Thomas is haunted by his father's expectations and his own secret passion for writing. It is a gentle, atmospheric exploration of self-discovery, heritage, and the quiet courage it takes to choose one's own path. This historical fiction is perfectly suited for middle schoolers aged 10 to 14, providing a mirror for those beginning to define their own identities apart from their parents. It offers a grounded perspective on how history, community, and family shape us without necessarily dictating our future.