Curse of a Winter Moon

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the feeling of being an outsider or witnessing unfairness in their community. It is a powerful tool for middle schoolers who are beginning to question authority and need to see models of courage in the face of groupthink. Set in 16th century France, the story follows Marius, a boy who must protect his younger brother from a superstitious village that believes the boy is cursed. It is a tense historical drama that explores how fear can turn neighbors into enemies and how love provides the strength to stand alone. Parents will find this book helpful for discussing how to stay true to one's values when the crowd is moving in a different, more dangerous direction. It offers a grounded, realistic look at historical prejudice while maintaining a deep emotional core of sibling loyalty.