Maggie and Oliver or A Bone of One's Own

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with feelings of isolation or is beginning to ask sensitive questions about why some people (and animals) do not have homes. Maggie and Oliver provides a gentle but honest entry point for discussing economic hardship and the fundamental human need for belonging. The story follows the parallel lives of an orphaned girl forced into labor and a stray dog struggling to survive on the streets, eventually weaving their paths together in a journey of mutual rescue. While the historical setting provides a safe distance from modern anxieties, the emotional core is deeply relatable for children aged 8 to 12. It explores themes of resilience and loyalty, showing that family is often something we build through kindness rather than just something we are born into. Parents will appreciate the book's ability to build empathy for those living on the margins while maintaining a hopeful tone that emphasizes the power of persistence.