Magda, Standing

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with feelings of being an outsider, or when they are trying to process global events that feel beyond their control. This historical novel follows Magda, a young girl in a large German American family navigating the dual hardships of World War I prejudice and the 1918 influenza pandemic. It offers a gentle but honest look at how external conflicts and health crises can impact a home, emphasizing the strength found in family bonds and community resilience. The story is an excellent tool for discussing unfair treatment and the importance of maintaining hope during difficult seasons. Magda's journey from a protected child to a resilient young person makes this a comforting yet realistic choice for the middle-grade reader who is starting to notice the complexities of the wider world.