Friends

Reach for this book when your child is struggling to find their place in a new environment or feeling the sting of being the new kid. It is a perfect fit for the middle-schooler who has a strong sense of justice but is not quite sure how to channel it. The story follows Roy, a boy who has moved frequently and finds himself caught between a school bully and a mysterious runaway as they attempt to save endangered owls from a corporate construction site. This Newbery Honor winner masterfully balances humor with high stakes. It addresses themes of integrity, environmental stewardship, and the complexities of adult-child power dynamics. It is an excellent choice for fostering a sense of agency and showing kids that their actions, no matter how small, can impact their community.