The Wave Runners

Reach for this book when your child feels like they do not quite fit into the world around them or when they are struggling to see their unique traits as strengths. The Wave Runners is a high-stakes adventure set in a magical Caribbean world where two 14-year-olds, Jolly and Munk, discover they are polliwogs: rare individuals with the power to walk on water. While the plot involves pirates and ancient magic, the emotional core is about the search for belonging and the heavy responsibility of being different. It is a sophisticated fantasy that addresses loneliness and the loss of innocence as the protagonists transition from children to heroes. It is perfect for middle schoolers who are beginning to navigate their own independence and identity.