I Am Kind. I Do Not Bully!

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is struggling to reconcile two different worlds, whether that involves moving to a new school where they feel like an outsider or navigating the guilt of seeking opportunities outside their community. Through the eyes of Arnold, a 14-year-old artist with a physical disability, the story explores the heavy realities of poverty and systemic racism with surprising humor and heart. It is a raw, honest look at identity that validates the experience of feeling like a 'part-time' version of oneself. While the book deals with intense themes including grief, alcoholism, and bullying, it remains deeply grounded in the power of hope and individual agency. The integration of comic-style illustrations makes the sophisticated emotional content accessible for readers aged 13 and up. Parents might choose this title to open a dialogue about perseverance, the complexity of loyalty to one's roots, and the courage it takes to pursue a dream when the odds are stacked against you.