What I Call Life

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with a shift in their family structure or expressing anxiety about where they belong. While the story centers on the foster care system, its emotional core speaks to any pre-teen feeling adrift or misunderstood by the adults in their lives. It is a poignant tool for validating feelings of isolation while gently moving toward hope. Eleven-year-old Cal Lavender is thrust into a group home after her mother suffers a mental health crisis. Through Cal's eyes, readers explore the complexities of the social welfare system, the bonds formed with 'found family,' and the resilience required to navigate loss. The book handles heavy themes with a light, realistic touch that avoids melodrama, making it an excellent choice for mature middle-grade readers who appreciate honest, character-driven narratives.