Double the Danger and Zero Zucchini

Reach for this book when your child claims they hate reading or feels intimidated by the blank page. It is a perfect choice for the kid who would rather be outside or playing video games than sitting with a novel, as it validates their perspective while sneaking in a genuine love for storytelling. The story follows 12-year-old Alex, a self-proclaimed non-reader, who helps his aunt fix her boring book by testing out her wild plot points in real life with his friends. Beyond the slapstick humor and high-energy stunts, this book explores the creative process and the importance of finding your own voice. It normalizes the struggle with literacy and academic expectations, turning what feels like a chore into an interactive adventure. Parents will appreciate the way it builds confidence in middle-schoolers who are still trying to figure out where they fit in. It is a lighthearted, secular, and entirely relatable look at friendship, teamwork, and the messy reality of being a preteen.