Junebug

Reach for this book when your child is starting to notice the inequities of the world or feels anxious about the pressures of growing up and losing their childhood wonder. Junebug is a poignant look at Reeve, a young boy living in a tough New Haven housing project, who is terrified of his upcoming tenth birthday because of the local expectation that ten-year-olds must join gangs. It is a story deeply rooted in the realities of urban poverty and systemic pressure, yet it maintains a soft, hopeful heart through Reeve's vivid imagination and his fierce love for his mother and sister. Parents will find it an excellent tool for discussing courage, the importance of integrity, and how to maintain one's internal compass when external circumstances are difficult. It is best suited for mature readers aged 8 to 12 who are ready for honest conversations about social justice and resilience.