Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero

Reach for this book if your child is navigating the weight of a major life transition, such as the loss of a parent or the instability of housing. It is a vital resource for children who feel they must grow up too fast, offering a mirror for those facing financial hardship while providing a roadmap for emotional processing through creativity and storytelling. The story follows Isaiah, a young boy grieving his father and living in a motel, who discovers his father's old journals and finds a way to become the hero of his own story. Isaiah's journey is a masterclass in resilience and the power of the written word. While the themes of poverty and grief are heavy, the book remains firmly rooted in the middle-grade perspective, balancing realism with moments of genuine hope and humor. It is an ideal choice for parents looking to validate a child's complex feelings about family struggles while emphasizing that their circumstances do not define their worth or their potential.