Deep Dream of the Rain Forest

Reach for this book when your middle schooler is grappling with feelings of being an outsider or is beginning to question the 'us versus them' narratives they see in the world. It is a profound choice for a child who feels isolated in their own environment and needs to see how friendship can blossom in the most unlikely circumstances, bridging gaps of language, history, and tradition. Through the story of Harry, a British orphan, and Bayang, an Iban tribesman, the narrative explores how shared vulnerability and mutual respect create a bond stronger than cultural expectations. This historical adventure is ideal for ages 11 to 15, offering a rich, realistic look at the Borneo rain forest and the complexity of indigenous life during the colonial era. Parents will appreciate the book's ability to foster empathy and its refusal to simplify the challenges of cross-cultural communication.