Crow

Reach for this book when your child starts noticing that justice isn't always served or when they begin asking complex questions about the roots of racial tension in America. Set in 1898 Wilmington, North Carolina, it follows eleven-year-old Moses Thomas as he navigates a changing world where his father's position at a Black-owned newspaper puts them at the center of a historical tipping point. It is a powerful exploration of dignity, family bonds, and the courage required to face systemic prejudice. While the historical context involves a violent coup, the story is told through a gentle, observant lens appropriate for middle schoolers. It provides a vital bridge for discussing how history shapes the present, focusing on the resilience of the human spirit rather than just the tragedy of the events. Parents will appreciate how it models the importance of literacy and finding one's own voice in the face of silence.