Bug Boy

Reach for this book when you have a child who feels like an outsider because of their niche interests, or when you want to encourage a reluctant reader with a fast-paced, funny story. It is a perfect fit for the third or fourth grader who spends their recess looking for pill bugs and needs to see their curiosity validated as a superpower rather than a social liability. The story follows Charlie, a young boy whose obsession with entomology takes a magical turn when a mysterious device allows him to literally inhabit the bodies of the creatures he studies. While the premise is fantastical, the emotional core deals with self-confidence and the joy of seeing the world from a different perspective. It seamlessly blends humor with real insect facts, making it an educational bridge for kids who prefer fiction but love science. It is age-appropriate for the 7 to 10 range, offering a lighthearted but affirming look at staying true to oneself.