Pinocchio's Sister

Reach for this book when your child feels invisible, particularly if they are struggling with a sense of being 'second best' to a sibling, a parent's career, or a family preoccupation. Set against the backdrop of the 1920s vaudeville circuit, the story follows ten-year-old Martha, whose father, a grieving ventriloquist, treats his wooden puppet with more affection and care than his own daughter. It is a poignant exploration of parental neglect and the desperate lengths a child will go to for a crumb of validation. While the setting is historical, the emotional core is deeply contemporary. It speaks to the universal ache of wanting to be seen for who you are rather than what is expected of you. The book handles heavy themes of emotional abandonment with a touch of theatrical magic, making it a safe space to discuss difficult family dynamics. It is best suited for mature middle-grade readers who appreciate character-driven stories and are ready to navigate complex, sometimes uncomfortable, interpersonal truths.