The Steady Heart Series is a growing collection of warm, hopeful stories that help children talk about hard things in safe, age-appropriate, compassionate ways. Each book explores a real-life challenge — from housing instability to deployment, disability to divorce — while focusing on kindness, resilience, belonging, connection, and hope.
These books are conversation starters, not pressure points. Every discussion guide is designed to help the adults who love these kids talk with them at their own pace, with honesty, safety, and hope.
Our Car Has a Name — A Daisy Story
Ages 5–9
Daisy and her family are moving from their apartment into their family minivan, Gordon. While staying in motels and facing big changes, Daisy learns that even when life feels uncertain, love, kindness, and a little bit of creativity can help make hard days a little brighter.
The Emergency Contact — A Bea Story
Ages 6–10
Bea lives with her grandmother, Gran, and knows exactly who the school should call when something happens. When questions about her emergency contact form make her family feel different, Bea learns — with Gran’s love and honesty — that families come in many forms, and what matters most is having people who show up, care, and keep you safe.
Fast Forward — An Ozzie Story
Ages 6–10
Nine-year-old Ozzie has a fast brain, big ideas, and a talent for losing things that are sometimes still attached to him. With humor and a growing collection of tools, Ozzie learns that having ADHD doesn’t mean something is wrong with him — it simply means his brain works a little differently, and different can be amazing.
The Sign Between Us
Ages 8–12 · Middle Grade Novel
Nine-year-old Micah’s new sister, Lena, is Deaf and communicates using American Sign Language. As Micah learns to slow down, really look, and try again, he discovers that family isn’t about saying the right thing — it’s about showing up, being patient, and finding new ways to connect.
Two Front Doors — A Sage Story
Ages 6–10
Sage is adjusting to life between her mom’s apartment and her dad’s house — two toothbrushes, two bedrooms, two front doors. With humor and a little help from the people who care about her, Sage learns that it’s okay to have two homes, that both parents love her, and that she can be herself in both places.
Poppy’s Words — A Gus Story
Ages 6–10
Gus loves his younger sister Poppy, but sometimes it’s hard when other people don’t understand the way she communicates. As Gus watches Poppy move through the world in her own way, he learns that being heard doesn’t always sound the same — and that love can make room for every voice.
The Snack Stash — A Dante Story
Ages 6–10
Dante is a kind, observant boy who always tries to be prepared. When he notices the snacks in his backpack running low, Dante comes up with a plan — and learns that asking for help isn’t a weakness, it’s a brave and caring thing to do.
New Wheels — A Jordan Story
Ages 6–10
Eight-year-old Jordan navigates big changes after his mom is injured in a car accident and begins using a wheelchair. Through real-life moments — school pickup, grocery store aisles, basketball practice — Jordan learns his mom is still the same amazing mom, just with new wheels.
The Deployment Bear — A Desmond Story
Ages 6–10
Desmond is a kind, thoughtful boy preparing for his mom to leave for a military deployment. With the help of his crooked-eared bear, family traditions, and small reminders of love, Desmond learns to handle big feelings like worry, pride, and sadness — and discovers that even when someone you love is far away, love always finds a way home.
Checkers with Pop Pop — An Otis Story
Ages 8–12
Ten-year-old Otis loves his checkers games and front-porch talks with Pop Pop. But when Pop Pop starts forgetting things, Otis learns that love doesn’t disappear when memories get mixed up — and that kindness, connection, and showing up matter more than ever.
The Room Across From Mine — A Leni Story
Ages 7–10
When Leni’s family moves into a new house, nothing feels the same. Her room is smaller, her best friend is farther away, and high school is getting closer than she’s ready for. But as Leni navigates big changes, she discovers that home isn’t just a place — it’s the people who care, the memories we make, and the courage to trust what’s next.
