Dreamcatcher

Reach for this book when your middle-schooler feels like the perpetual outsider or is struggling to maintain their identity through frequent family transitions. Jesse Alvarez is tired of being the new kid, and his latest move to a Wyoming ranch brings the added weight of family separation and local bullies. Through a blend of realistic school struggles and a touch of the supernatural, the story explores how shared grief and unlikely friendships can create a sense of home even in unfamiliar territory. It is an ideal choice for ages 10 to 14, offering a grounded look at resilience and the importance of finding one's community during times of isolation.