Suzanne Newton's "Where Are You When I Need You?" is a thoughtful chapter book that explores the universal anxieties and excitement surrounding major life transitions. The story centers on Missy Cord, a young woman who has earned a college scholarship, presenting her with the difficult choice of leaving the familiar security of her small hometown. While the protagonist's age (likely late teens, given the college scholarship) might seem advanced for the stated 4-11 age range, the book effectively distills the emotional core of this experience into themes relatable to younger children facing smaller, yet equally significant, changes like starting a new school, moving, or making new friends.
The narrative handles Missy's internal conflict with sensitivity, focusing on her feelings of apprehension, longing for security, and the burgeoning desire for independence. It's not a dramatic plot-driven story but rather an emotional arc that starts with uncertainty and moves towards a hopeful, empowering resolution, regardless of Missy's final decision. The book doesn't offer a simplistic 'just be brave' message but rather normalizes the complex emotions involved in stepping out of one's comfort zone.
This book is particularly well-suited for a child who is experiencing or anticipating a significant change, such as a move, a new school, or even a parent's upcoming departure. A parent might reach for this when their child is expressing worry about leaving familiar surroundings or people. Parents should be prepared to discuss the protagonist's feelings of fear and uncertainty, reassuring their child that these emotions are normal when facing big decisions. Younger children (4-6) might connect with the general idea of 'leaving home' and the feelings associated with it, while older elementary children (7-11) will better grasp the nuances of the decision-making process and the implications of college. The book stands out by focusing on the internal emotional landscape of a major life choice, rather than just the external events, making it a gentle yet profound read for navigating personal growth.
