Brothers

Reach for this book when your child is struggling to find their place in a new environment or feeling like an outsider due to cultural or language barriers. It is an ideal choice for families navigating a move or for starting a conversation about how we treat people who look or speak differently than we do. The story follows Ming, a young boy who moves from China to 19th-century San Francisco to work in his brother's store. Lonely and isolated by a language he doesn't speak, Ming finds an unexpected friend in Patrick, an Irish boy who looks past societal prejudices to form a bond over shared snacks and simple kindness. This historical fiction piece is gentle yet honest, making it perfect for children ages 5 to 9 who are developing their sense of empathy and social justice. It beautifully illustrates that friendship doesn't require a shared language, only a shared heart.