The Girl with 500 Middle Names

Reach for this book when your child is feeling the sting of comparison or feels like an 'outsider' because of their family's financial situation. Janie is the new girl at a school where everyone else seems to have expensive clothes and big houses. While her parents struggle to provide the same luxuries, Janie navigates her feelings of jealousy and isolation through a clever, creative project that redefines her identity. This gentle early chapter book explores self-confidence and the realization that what makes us unique is often more valuable than what makes us 'fit in.' It is ideal for elementary students (ages 7 to 10) who are dealing with the social pressures of a new environment or learning to take pride in their own family story, regardless of their bank account.