Jane, the Fox & Me

Reach for this book when you notice your child withdrawing from friends or expressing deep insecurity about their body and social standing at school. It is a lifeline for the pre-teen who feels targeted by peers and has begun to believe the unkind things being whispered about them. The story follows Helene, a young girl ostracized by former friends, who finds her only solace in the pages of Jane Eyre. Through beautiful, evocative illustrations, the book explores themes of body image, loneliness, and the transformative power of literature. It is perfectly suited for middle schoolers (ages 10 to 14) navigating the treacherous waters of social hierarchy and self-doubt. You might choose this to open a gentle conversation about bullying or to remind a struggling child that their current isolation is not their forever reality.