Fame and Glory in Freedom, Georgia

Reach for this book if your child feels like an outsider at school or is struggling to find their place in the social hierarchy. It is a perfect choice for the student who feels invisible or the child who tends to judge others based on first impressions. The story follows Bird Weaver, a lonely sixth-grader who decides to partner with the new, ostracized boy, Harlem Tate, for a spelling bee. Through their unlikely partnership, the book explores themes of empathy, the courage it takes to be kind, and the discovery of hidden talents. It is a gentle, realistic middle-grade novel that models how reaching out to someone else in need can actually help you find your own sense of worth. It is highly appropriate for ages 8 to 12 and provides a hopeful roadmap for navigating school social dynamics.