A Hat Full of Sky

Reach for this book when your child is beginning to pull away from home to find their own identity, especially if they are struggling with the pressure to fit in or the fear of their own changing emotions. It is a masterful exploration of the internal tug-of-war between who we are and who we think we should be. Eleven-year-old Tiffany Aching leaves her familiar farm to apprentice as a witch, only to find herself pursued by an ancient, body-snatching entity that feeds on her pride and self-doubt. While the setting is magical, the emotional core is deeply grounded in the pre-teen experience of self-discovery and the importance of mental boundaries. It is a witty, profound, and highly empowering read for middle-schoolers navigating the transition into independence.