Death on the River of Doubt

Reach for this book when your middle schooler is feeling discouraged by a failure or needs to see that even the most 'powerful' people face moments of extreme vulnerability and physical limits. This gripping narrative follows Theodore Roosevelt after his 1912 election loss as he attempts to map an uncharted river in the Amazon. It is an intense exploration of resilience, showing how a group of very different people must manage fear and work together to survive. While the story is an exciting history lesson, its true value lies in the depiction of grit. Parents will appreciate the way it humanizes a historical icon, showing Roosevelt not just as a hero, but as a man struggling with illness and the consequences of his own ambition. It is a sophisticated read for ages 10 to 14 that handles themes of mortality and perseverance with honesty and high stakes.