Don't Feed the Boy

Reach for this book when your child feels overlooked by busy parents or trapped by rigid expectations and needs to see that their voice matters. It is a moving story about Whit, a boy living in a zoo where his mother is the director, who feels as much a part of the exhibits as the animals themselves. As he navigates a complex relationship with his workaholic mother, he finds a sense of agency through an unexpected friendship. This middle-grade novel explores themes of independence, the weight of parental expectations, and the beauty of finding a chosen family. It is developmentally appropriate for ages 8 to 12, offering a sensitive look at emotional neglect and the redemptive power of nature and connection. Parents will appreciate how it validates a child's need for autonomy while providing a hopeful path toward self-discovery.