Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S., The (as told to his brother)

Reach for this book when your child feels that their truth is being dismissed by adults or when they are struggling to navigate the social fallout of being 'different' among their peers. It is a deeply empathetic look at the bond between brothers and the weight of holding a secret that sounds like a lie. After Aidan disappears for six days and returns with a story about a magical portal in the attic, his younger brother Lucas is the only one who truly listens, even as their parents, the police, and the town demand a more logical explanation. This story is less about the mechanics of fantasy and more about the emotional reality of trust, loyalty, and the loneliness of not being believed. It is perfectly suited for middle grade readers who are beginning to understand that the world is not always black and white and that sometimes, protecting the people we love means accepting their truth without proof.