The Last

Reach for this book when your child is processing a significant loss, feeling like an outsider at school, or asking deep questions about their place in the world. While set in a rich fantasy kingdom, the story centers on Byx, a dog-like creature who believes she is the last of her kind. It is a powerful allegory for the isolation of being 'the only one' and the beautiful, unexpected ways we can build a new family when our original one is gone. Parents will appreciate the sophisticated emotional vocabulary Katherine Applegate uses to explore grief, bravery, and the ethics of truth. It is a profound choice for 8 to 12-year-olds who are ready for a high-stakes adventure that doesn't shy away from the harder realities of life, ultimately offering a hopeful message about the strength found in vulnerability and diverse friendships.