Winter Shadows

Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling with the isolation of a family separation or feeling like an outsider in their own home. It is a hauntingly beautiful bridge for a child who feels 'stuck' between two worlds, whether those worlds are different households or different cultural identities. The story follows Cass, who is reeling from her parents' divorce and a move to a new town, where she begins to see the spirit of Beatrice, a Métis girl from the mid-nineteenth century. Through these dual narratives, the book explores how the echoes of the past can offer clarity for the present. While the ghost story elements provide a compelling mystery, the heart of the book is its exploration of grief and belonging. It is a sophisticated read for ages 12 and up, handling themes of historical racism and family dysfunction with a realistic yet hopeful lens. Parents will appreciate how it validates a teenager's anger and loneliness while encouraging them to look beyond their own immediate pain to find connection in unexpected places.