Catcall

Reach for this book when you notice a sibling struggling to understand a brother or sister who has suddenly withdrawn, changed their behavior, or seems unreachable. It is an ideal resource for families navigating the tension and confusion that arise when one child's emotional or developmental needs begin to dominate the household's energy. The story follows Josh as he watches his younger brother, Jamie, retreat into a wild, feline persona he calls Leo, refusing to speak or act like himself. Newbery captures the delicate balance of a blended family trying to stay afloat while managing Jamie's increasingly unpredictable outbursts. It offers a compassionate lens for children aged 8 to 12 to process their own feelings of displacement, worry, and protective love. By focusing on the bond between brothers, the book provides a safe space to discuss mental health, neurodivergence, and the bravery required to help a loved one who is suffering.