Way a Door Closes, The

A parent would reach for this book when their child is experiencing the confusion and heartache of a parent leaving the home, whether due to separation or abandonment. Through a series of thirty-four poignant poems, thirteen-year-old C.J. navigates the shifting landscape of his once-stable world. He watches his proud, hardworking father struggle with job loss and ultimately walk out the door, leaving the family to pick up the pieces. This is a story about the weight of silence and the strength found in those who stay. It is ideal for middle schoolers who need to see their complicated feelings of anger, love, and longing reflected in literature. Parents will appreciate how the book handles sensitive topics with grace, offering a realistic portrayal of resilience that does not rely on easy or forced resolutions.