Dirk Daring, Secret Agent

Reach for this book when your middle schooler is feeling the intense pressure to fit in or is trying on different personas to mask their insecurities. It is a perfect choice for the child who feels invisible and is tempted to use an elaborate fantasy life to bridge the social gap between who they are and who they want to be. Dirk Daring, Secret Agent follows Darren Dirkes, a relatable boy who reinvents himself as a super-spy to navigate the social landmines of seventh grade. When his top-secret notebook goes missing, the line between his daring alter-ego and his real self begins to blur. Becker uses humor and sharp social observations to explore themes of self-acceptance, the value of true friendship, and the realization that everyone else is just as nervous as we are. It is an affirming, funny read that validates the awkwardness of the pre-teen years.