Dear Toni

Reach for this book when your child feels like a fish out of water after a move or a change in school dynamics. It is an ideal choice for the quiet observer who struggles to find their place or feels the weight of financial stress at home. Ten-year-old Gene is the new girl in a small town, navigating the social minefield of the sixth grade while her family deals with living on a tight budget. Written as a series of letters to an imaginary girl named Toni, the story explores themes of self-expression, friendship, and resilience. It validates the complex emotions of middle childhood, from the sting of being left out to the pride of finding a creative outlet. It is a gentle, realistic, and deeply comforting read for children aged 8 to 12 who are learning that being different is actually their greatest strength.