Benny

Reach for this book when your child feels like their family doesn't 'get' their interests, or when you want to discuss how to show kindness to someone who seems difficult to like. Set against the backdrop of the 1939 World's Fair and the looming shadow of World War II, Benny follows a young boy obsessed with baseball whose life is interrupted by the arrival of a somber German refugee. While Benny initially struggles to find common ground with someone so different, he eventually discovers that his own unique talents can help bridge the gap between two worlds. This gentle historical novel explores empathy and family dynamics for children aged 8 to 12. It is a wonderful tool for normalizing the frustration of being misunderstood while modeling how to look beyond oneself to help a person in need.