West of the Moon

Reach for this book when your child is facing a major life transition, such as moving or starting over, and needs to see that bravery is often born from necessity. Set in 19th-century Norway, it follows Astri, a young girl who must escape a cruel guardian to reunite with her father in America. It is a deeply moving exploration of resilience, grit, and the power of hope in the face of systemic hardship. This story is ideal for middle-schoolers (ages 10 to 14) who are beginning to grapple with themes of social justice and the historical realities of immigration. While it deals with difficult topics like child labor and poverty, it is anchored by a sense of wonder and the magic of folklore. Parents will appreciate how it balances historical realism with the imaginative internal world children use to survive tough times.