Looking for X

Reach for this book when your child starts noticing the hidden inequities in your neighborhood or begins to ask complex questions about why some people live on the streets. Looking for X provides a compassionate bridge for preteens to understand the weight of adult responsibilities and the invisibility of poverty. It follows Khyber, a resilient girl living in public housing who balances school life with the care of her autistic brothers and her deep concern for a homeless woman named X. This story is a powerful tool for building empathy and social justice awareness. While it deals with realistic hardships like financial instability and social isolation, it celebrates the fierce loyalty of family and the dignity of every human being. It is best suited for readers aged 10 to 14 who are ready for a gritty, honest look at the world, offering them a way to process heavy themes through a relatable protagonist who refuses to give up on those she loves.