Alebrijes

Reach for this book when your child feels like an outsider or is grappling with the weight of responsibility toward their family. It is a powerful choice for middle schoolers who are beginning to notice systemic unfairness and need a story that validates their sense of justice. Set in a future Earth that has become a wasteland, the story follows Leandro, a boy who sacrifices his human form to save his sister and finds his consciousness uploaded into a mechanical dragonfly drone. While the dystopian setting includes themes of poverty and exile, it is ultimately a story about how our culture, stories, and kindness are the tools that can reshape a broken world. It is perfect for 10 to 14 year olds who love high stakes science fiction but also appreciate deep, emotional connections and cultural heritage.