Night on Fire

Reach for this book when your middle schooler is starting to question the status quo or feels a growing sense of discomfort with social injustices they see in the world. Set in 1961 Alabama, the story follows thirteen year old Billie Sims as she witnesses the arrival of the Freedom Riders. It is an ideal choice for parents who want to move beyond abstract history lessons and explore the emotional weight of choosing a side when the community is divided. The book navigates themes of bravery, moral awakening, and the complicated reality of white privilege with a gentle but honest hand. It provides a safe yet powerful space for 9 to 13 year olds to consider what they would do if their own hometown became a battleground for civil rights.