Winterfolk

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is beginning to notice the invisible populations in their own city or when a child is struggling with the burden of 'parenting' their own adult. It is a vital resource for fostering deep empathy toward the unhoused and understanding the complexities of substance abuse within a family unit. The story follows fifteen-year-old Rain, who lives in a hidden camp in the woods with her father. When their community is threatened, Rain must navigate the terrifying transition into the 'real world' she has long avoided. It is a raw, poetic exploration of loyalty and survival, best suited for mature middle schoolers and high schoolers. Parents might choose this to open a dialogue about systemic poverty, the resilience of the human spirit, and the difficult realization that love alone cannot always fix a parent's addiction.