Landry News, The

Reach for this book when your child is beginning to recognize that adults are flawed or when they are struggling with the weight of their own words. It is an ideal choice for a middle-grade reader who feels a strong sense of justice or is navigating the social complexities of a new school environment. The story follows Cara Landry, a girl processing her parents' divorce, who starts a classroom newspaper that inadvertently revitalizes her burnt-out teacher but also sparks a legal and ethical battle over free speech. At its heart, the book explores the balance between truth and kindness. It provides a nuanced look at the First Amendment through a lens that children can understand, while also modeling how empathy can bridge the gap between a student and a teacher. It is developmentally perfect for ages 8 to 12, offering a realistic look at how one person's initiative can change a community's culture for the better.