Cosmic

You would reach for this book when your child feels like they are being rushed into adulthood or if they struggle with being physically different from their peers. It is perfect for the middle schooler who is constantly told to 'act their age' while simultaneously being expected to handle more responsibility than they are ready for. The story follows Liam, an unusually tall twelve-year-old who is often mistaken for a man. By posing as a dad to enter a space flight contest, Liam finds himself responsible for a group of children on a real rocket. Through a lens of humor and absurdity, the book explores the daunting reality of growing up and the vital importance of childhood wonder. It is a heartfelt tribute to the father-son bond that validates a child's need to simply be a kid, making it a wonderful choice for ages nine to thirteen.