Dandelion Fire

A parent would reach for this book when their child is beginning to ask deeper questions about their origins, heritage, and how their family's past influences who they are becoming. It is a sophisticated pick for a middle schooler who is outgrowing simple fairy tales and needs a story that acknowledges the complexity and occasional darkness of the world. The story follows Henry York as he steps through magical cupboards into diverse worlds to uncover his true identity and confront an ancient, lurking evil. It explores profound emotional themes of belonging, the courage to face one's history, and the weight of legacy. Parents will appreciate the rich, literary prose and the way it handles themes of adoption and discovery with both magic and grit. It is best suited for ages 9 to 14, especially for readers ready for a high-stakes adventure that feels both epic and deeply personal.