Boy O'boy

A parent might reach for this book when their middle schooler begins to notice that the world of adults is often messy, hypocritical, or even dangerous. Set in 1945 Ottawa, it speaks to children who feel the weight of family secrets or who are struggling to find their own moral compass when the authority figures around them are failing. It is a deeply honest look at resilience in the face of hardship. The story follows young Martin O'Boy as he navigates a life filled with challenges: a twin brother with a disability, a volatile home life, and a predatory local figure. While the humor is sharp and the historical setting is vivid, the emotional core is about the courage it takes to speak the truth. It is best suited for mature readers aged 11 to 15 who are ready to engage with serious themes of justice, safety, and the transition from childhood innocence to a more complex understanding of the world.