Where the Steps Were

Reach for this book when your child is facing a major transition, such as graduating from a beloved school or seeing a familiar community change. This verse novel captures the bittersweet final year of five third grade boys in an inner city school slated for demolition. It tenderly explores themes of friendship, the weight of saying goodbye to physical spaces that hold memories, and the resilience required to move forward into the unknown. Written for the 8 to 12 age range, the story is both accessible and emotionally resonant. Parents will appreciate how it validates the grief of losing a 'second home' while celebrating the enduring power of shared history. It is an excellent choice for opening a dialogue about change, helping children process feelings of nostalgia and the anxiety of starting over in a new environment.