Minnie McClary Speaks Her Mind

Reach for this book when your middle schooler is beginning to notice social injustices or is struggling with a secret family burden, particularly a parent's mental health crisis. Minnie is a quiet sixth grader who has just moved to a new town while her father is hospitalized for depression. Through the guidance of an unconventional teacher and her friendship with Amira, a girl facing Islamophobia, Minnie learns that being quiet is not the same as being powerless. This realistic novel is perfectly calibrated for ages 10 to 14, providing a roadmap for how young people can use their voices to challenge prejudice and support their loved ones through difficult times. It is an excellent choice for normalizing conversations about mental illness and the courage required to stand up for others in a divided community.