
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the social cost of kindness or feeling the heavy weight of peer pressure to fit in. It speaks directly to the 'middle school' dilemma of wanting to be a good person while desperately fearing being the target of a joke. The story follows Kieran, whose social standing is threatened when his eccentric cousin Bon becomes the new school outcast. This realistic novel explores the subtle, often painful dynamics of school hierarchies and the courage required to stand up for family when it is social suicide to do so. It is an ideal choice for 9 to 12 year olds navigating complex friendships, as it provides a mirror for those feelings of shame and the eventual relief that comes with integrity. Parents will appreciate the nuanced approach to bullying that focuses on the bystander's internal struggle rather than just the actions of the bully.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe protagonist's struggle with whether or not to defend his cousin is central and challenging.
The book deals with bullying and social isolation in a very direct, secular manner. The resolution is realistic rather than magical: Bon does not suddenly become cool, but Kieran finds the moral courage to accept him publicly. It offers a hopeful but grounded ending that emphasizes personal growth over social triumph.
A 10-year-old boy who is sensitive and kind at home but finds himself 'going along with the crowd' at school to avoid being teased. It is for the child who is starting to notice the social hierarchy and feels uncomfortable with how others are treated.
Read the scenes involving the 'trials' or pranks played on Bon to prepare for a discussion on the difference between teasing and bullying. The book is very accessible and can be read cold. A parent might notice their child being uncharacteristically quiet about school, or perhaps overhearing their child make a disparaging remark about a 'weird' kid to fit in with a group of friends.
Younger readers (ages 8-9) may focus on the 'uncool' things Bon does, while older readers (11-12) will deeply resonate with Kieran's agonizing internal conflict and the fear of social displacement.
Unlike many books that focus on the victim's perspective, French brilliantly captures the internal life of the bystander. It captures the specific, cringey feeling of being embarrassed by someone you are supposed to love.
Kieran is a socially comfortable student whose world is upended when his cousin Bon moves to town and joins his school. Bon is 'different': he is obsessed with knights and chivalry, wears a cape, and does not understand the unwritten rules of being cool. Kieran is caught in a painful tug-of-war between his loyalty to his family and his desire to remain accepted by his friends, who see Bon as an easy target for ridicule.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.