Fleabrain Loves Franny

Reach for this book when your child is facing a long recovery from illness, navigating a new physical limitation, or feeling isolated from their peers. Set in 1952, it follows Franny as she deals with the aftermath of polio, which has left her weak and confined to her home. Her world expands when she meets Fleabrain, a tiny, highly intelligent flea who uses his extraordinary powers and massive vocabulary to take Franny on imaginative journeys. This story beautifully balances the heavy reality of a life-altering diagnosis with the levity of animal fantasy. It is an excellent choice for children ages 8 to 12 because it honors their struggle for independence while providing a safe, whimsical space to process feelings of loneliness and the power of the mind to transcend physical boundaries.