Lenny's Space

Reach for this book if your child seems to process the world through facts and logic rather than feelings, or if they are struggling to connect with peers due to social-emotional barriers. Lenny is a gifted student who has compartmentalized his emotions to the point of being perceived as cold or difficult. Through a supportive relationship with a school counselor and an unexpected friendship with Van, a boy facing leukemia, Lenny begins the difficult work of opening his heart. This is a poignant and realistic choice for middle schoolers (ages 10-14) that addresses neurodivergence, grief, and the vulnerability of friendship. It helps children understand that being 'smart' isn't just about grades, but about the emotional intelligence required to care for others. Parents will find it a valuable tool for discussing empathy and the way different people experience and express their internal worlds.