Every Bird a Prince

Reach for this book when your middle-grade child starts feeling like an outsider because they don't share the same interest in dating or 'crushes' as their friends. While the description provided in the prompt erroneously lists biographical details for actor Robert Pattinson, the actual book Every Bird a Prince by Jenn Reese is a thoughtful fantasy about Eren, a girl who prefers her bicycle and the woods to middle school romance. When she rescues a talking bird who claims to be a prince, she is pulled into a high-stakes quest to save a hidden kingdom. The story beautifully balances magical adventure with a grounded exploration of asexuality and aromanticism. It is a perfect choice for children aged 8 to 12 who need to see that being 'different' in their feelings is a valid and heroic path.