Ivan the Terrible

Reach for this book when your child is feeling the burden of being the responsible one in a social situation or when they are struggling to navigate a peer relationship that feels one-sided and draining. It is an excellent choice for children who are naturally empathetic but need help setting boundaries or understanding that they are not responsible for everyone else's behavior. The story follows Boris, a kind boy tasked with translating for Ivan, a new student who does not speak English. The catch is that Ivan is actually quite rude and aggressive, leaving Boris in the hilarious but stressful position of filtering Ivan's threats into polite conversation to keep the peace. Through humor and relatable school-yard tension, the book explores themes of honesty, social pressure, and the complexities of helping someone who doesn't necessarily want to fit in. It is a lighthearted yet insightful look at the weight of social responsibility for children ages 7 to 10.