Cargo

Reach for this book when your child starts asking difficult questions about global news or notices the invisible people who make our modern world function. It is an essential tool for parents navigating complex conversations about human rights and the global refugee crisis through a lens that children can relate to: curiosity and fairness. The story follows young Leo, who lives on a massive cargo ship with his father. His world of steel and engines is upended when he discovers that the containers his father transports hold more than just goods. They hold people. As Leo grapples with the injustice of human beings being treated like merchandise, the book explores themes of empathy, systemic unfairness, and the courage required to see others' humanity. It is a poignant, realistic look at migration that avoids being overly graphic while refusing to shy away from the gravity of the situation. It is best suited for middle-grade readers who are beginning to develop a social conscience and want to understand the human reality behind the headlines.