Wild Life

Reach for this book when your child is struggling with feelings of displacement, parental absence, or the frustration of being a 'third wheel' in a new living situation. It is a powerful choice for children dealing with a parent's military deployment or those adjusting to life under a grandparent's roof while feeling misunderstood. The story follows Erik, whose life is upended when his parents are deployed to Iraq. Sent to live with grandparents who have strict rules and a different lifestyle, Erik finds solace in a stray dog and the rugged North Dakota wilderness. Through a survival adventure, the book explores deep themes of loyalty, resilience, and the search for where one truly belongs. It is highly appropriate for ages nine to twelve, offering a realistic look at emotional upheaval while providing the comforting presence of a canine companion.