Death at Devil's Bridge

Reach for this book when your child is starting to value the approval of 'cool' older kids over their own internal compass. It is an essential read for middle schoolers facing the confusing pressure to keep secrets for the sake of a friendship that might actually be toxic. The story follows Ben, a young teen who gets caught up in the orbit of an older, charismatic boy named Brody, only to realize that Brody may be involved in a hit and run accident. This gripping mystery explores the heavy weight of loyalty versus integrity. It is age-appropriate for the 10 to 14 range, offering a realistic look at how easy it is to be manipulated when you just want to belong. Parents will appreciate the nuanced portrayal of Ben's relationship with his father and the way the book models the difficult process of coming forward when you have witnessed something wrong.