Goblin Secrets

A parent would reach for this book when their child is navigating the complex feelings of being an outsider, searching for a sense of belonging, or grappling with the absence of a family member. Set in the steampunk city of Zombay, it follows Rownie, a boy who feels disconnected from his adoptive family and joins a troupe of outlawed goblin actors to find his missing brother. This National Book Award winner addresses themes of identity, the power of performance, and the courage to define one's own family. It is an ideal pick for readers aged 8 to 12 who enjoy imaginative world-building but also need a story that validates the struggle of finding where they fit in. Parents will appreciate how the book handles emotional resilience and the discovery of personal talent within a rich, atmospheric fantasy setting.