Horrors of the Black Ring

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the unsettling feeling of being peer pressured into acting out of character or is fascinated by the concept of losing self-control. While framed as a supernatural thriller, it serves as a safe, metaphorical sandbox for children to explore the fear of their own impulses and the consequences of 'bad' behavior that feels outside of their command. The story follows Beth, who discovers an ancient ring that possesses whoever wears it, turning kind people into cruel versions of themselves. As she watches her beloved teacher and then herself succumb to the ring's influence, the narrative touches on themes of accountability and the struggle to remain true to one's values. It is a fast-paced, spooky read that allows children to process the anxiety of social influence and the importance of personal agency in a school setting.