Midwife's Apprentice, The

Reach for this book when your child is feeling overlooked or is struggling with the fear that they lack a special talent. It is a powerful antidote for a young person who feels 'unseen' or small in a big world. The story follows a nameless, homeless orphan known only as Brat who slowly transforms into Alyce, a capable midwife's apprentice. Set in the harsh reality of medieval England, it explores themes of self-worth, the necessity of failure, and the courage it takes to claim a name and a place for oneself. While the setting is historical, the emotional journey of building confidence from nothing is timeless. It is best suited for middle schoolers who can handle gritty realism and more mature biological themes related to childbirth. You might choose this to help a pre-teen understand that competence is grown through persistence, not just born from luck.