Hey World, Here I Am!

Reach for this book when your middle-grade child starts retreatng into their own world or struggling to articulate the swirl of emotions that comes with early adolescence. It is a perfect choice for the 'in-between' kid who feels too old for picture books but isn't quite ready for heavy teen drama. Through a series of poems and short sketches, Kate Bloomfield shares her private thoughts on everything from annoying siblings and school frustrations to the quiet beauty of a snowy day. Jean Little captures the authentic voice of a girl finding her identity, making it an excellent tool for normalizing the mood swings and insecurities of the 9 to 12 age group. It provides comfort by showing children that their secret thoughts are shared by others. Parents will appreciate the book's honesty and the way it encourages self-reflection and creative expression without being preachy or overly sentimental.