Precious Bones

Reach for this book when your middle schooler is beginning to question the complexities of adult systems, justice, and the pressure to conform. Set against the lush, untamed backdrop of the 1950s Florida Everglades, it follows ten-year-old Bones as she navigates a world where her unconventional family is under scrutiny by the law and local 'progress.' It is a poignant choice for children who feel like outsiders or those who share a deep, quiet bond with a parent. At its heart, this is a story about the fierce protection of one's identity and home. While it functions as a historical mystery, the emotional weight lies in the relationship between Bones and her father, Nolay, a man who lives by his own code. It explores themes of loyalty, environmental stewardship, and the realization that the world isn't always fair. Due to some mature themes including two murders and the threat of institutionalization, it is best suited for readers aged 10 and up who enjoy atmospheric, character-driven narratives.