My Life as a Book

Reach for this book when your child claims they hate reading or feels discouraged by traditional school assignments. It is the perfect bridge for visual learners who feel overwhelmed by dense pages of text. The story follows Derek, a boy who would rather draw his vocabulary words than write them, as he navigates summer school and stumbles upon a decades-old family secret. This relatable middle-grade novel tackles themes of self-confidence and the frustration of learning differences with humor and heart. It validates the experience of kids who process the world through images, making it an excellent choice for building reading stamina in a low-pressure way. While it addresses some serious topics like a past tragedy, the tone remains accessible and hopeful for readers aged 8 to 12.