Dawn and the Older Boy

Reach for this book when your preteen is navigating their first experience with dating or a crush, especially if they are struggling to balance a new relationship with their existing friendships and responsibilities. The story follows Dawn Schafer as she begins dating an older boy named Travis, only to realize that he is controlling, dismissive of her interests, and isolative. It serves as a vital tool for discussing healthy boundaries and the importance of self-respect in early romantic encounters. Through Dawn's journey, the book explores themes of peer pressure and the desire to feel mature. It is highly appropriate for the 8 to 12 age range, offering a safe space to examine the red flags of a toxic relationship without becoming overly heavy. Parents will appreciate how it models the strength required to walk away from someone who doesn't treat you well, reinforcing that true friends will always have your back.