The Wish and the Peacock

Reach for this book when your child is facing a major life transition, such as the loss of a parent or the potential loss of a family home. It is a deeply moving choice for children who are acting out or feeling protective because their world feels like it is shrinking. The story follows Paige, a young girl living on an Idaho farm, who is determined to stop the sale of her family's land following her father's death. She launches a series of 'hauntings' and mysteries to scare away potential buyers, including a family with a boy named Forrest. Through these schemes, the book explores the heavy weight of grief, the complexity of financial hardship, and the difficult but necessary process of letting go of the past to find a new future. It is a realistic, contemporary story that normalizes the messy feelings of anger and desperation that often accompany loss, making it an excellent bridge for conversations about resilience and family healing. Best suited for ages 8 to 12.