Camelot

Reach for this book when your child is beginning to question the 'perfect' heroes they see in media and is ready to explore the complicated, human side of leadership and loyalty. While many Arthurian legends focus on grand battles, Jane Yolen has curated a collection that looks at the quiet moments between the legends. It is ideal for the middle schooler who feels like an outsider or who is grappling with the weight of expectations and the realization that even 'great' people make mistakes. The stories range from humorous to deeply moving, covering themes of justice, friendship, and the search for identity. Because it is an anthology, it allows for digestible reading sessions that can spark profound conversations about moral ambiguity. It is a sophisticated bridge between simple fairy tales and complex adult literature, perfect for nurturing a mature emotional vocabulary and a nuanced worldview.