Dear Stray

Reach for this book when your child feels like their own emotions are too big, too loud, or too 'bad' for the world around them. It is an essential choice for children who struggle with impulse control and the crushing guilt that often follows an emotional outburst. The story follows a girl named Benji who feels she has a 'sparky' temper that keeps her at a distance from others until she adopts an equally misunderstood stray dog. Through this bond, the book explores themes of self-regulation, empathy, and the realization that being difficult to love doesn't mean you are unlovable. It is a deeply compassionate look at neurodivergence and emotional volatility for ages 8 to 12. It provides a mirror for children who feel like the 'problem child' and offers a path toward self-forgiveness and connection.