Mia and the Secret Circle

You would reach for this book when your child comes home from school feeling like an outsider or complaining that a formerly close friend is now whispering behind their back. Mia and the Secret Circle addresses the painful reality of relational aggression, specifically the formation of exclusive cliques and the spread of rumors. Instead of simply labeling characters as 'bullies,' the story provides a framework for children to understand social power dynamics and find their own agency. Through Mia's experiences with her friend Chloe, children ages 5 to 9 learn that they do not need to beg for acceptance from groups that make them feel small. It is an essential tool for parents who want to foster social resilience and help their children identify what a healthy, inclusive friendship actually looks like.