The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the idea of loyalty or when you want to introduce the complexities of history through a lens of humor and resilience. While the Civil War backdrop is serious, the story is anchored by Homer, a boy whose main weapon is his wild imagination and a gift for tall tales. It is a perfect choice for children who feel like underdogs or those who use humor as a shield. At its heart, this is a story about the unbreakable bond between brothers. As Homer travels through a divided nation to save his sibling, parents will find opportunities to discuss bravery, the difference between a lie and a story, and the harsh realities of the past. It is an adventurous, high-stakes journey that manages to be both educational and deeply entertaining for the middle-grade reader.