Braid Girls, The

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the complicated emotions of a blended family, specifically the arrival of a new sibling or 'bonus' sister. It is a heartfelt exploration of Maggie, who is surprised by the arrival of a half-sister she never knew existed, and her best friend Ida Belle, who feels her place in Maggie's life is being threatened. Through the lens of a summer hair-braiding business, the story navigates jealousy, the fear of being replaced, and the beauty of expanding one's definition of family. It is a perfect choice for middle-grade readers (ages 8 to 12) who need to see that love is not a finite resource and that new family members can become unexpected allies. The book offers a realistic, secular, and ultimately hopeful roadmap for navigating major domestic shifts with grace.