Lucky Broken Girl

A parent would reach for this book when their child is facing a period of physical confinement, a long recovery from injury, or feels like an outsider due to their cultural background. Based on the author's own childhood, the story follows Ruthie, a young Cuban-Jewish immigrant in 1960s New York whose life is upended by a car accident that leaves her in a full-body cast for nearly a year. While the premise deals with physical trauma, the heart of the book is about the expansive world a child can build through books, art, and the diverse community that gathers around her bed. It is a beautiful exploration of resilience and finding beauty in 'brokenness.' Recommended for ages 10 to 14, this story provides a profound mirror for children navigating loneliness or sudden life changes, teaching them that even when we are stuck, we can still grow.