Cookie Monsters

A parent would reach for this book when their child is navigating the messy, non-linear process of grieving a parent while trying to maintain their everyday interests and friendships. It is a perfect fit for middle graders who feel the pressure to succeed but are struggling with an internal emotional weight that others might not see. The story follows twelve-year-old Brooklyn as she enters a high-stakes cookie-selling competition at her school. While the plot is filled with humor, baking, and pre-teen rivalry, the heart of the book deals with Brooklyn's life after the death of her mother. It beautifully illustrates how grief doesn't just disappear; it shows up in small moments, even during a quest for a Cookie Queen title. This is a secular, realistic, and ultimately empowering story about resilience and the importance of a support system.