The Problem with Prophecies

Reach for this book when your child starts asking big questions about mortality or feels overwhelmed by the heavy responsibilities of growing up. While it features a magical premise where Celia inherits the family gift of prophecy, the story is deeply rooted in the very real anxieties of middle school. It serves as a gentle bridge for discussing how we handle bad news and the importance of living fully even when we know life is fragile. Parents will appreciate how it balances a high-concept supernatural gift with the grounded, messy reality of seventh-grade friendships and family dynamics. It is particularly helpful for children who tend to worry about the future, offering them a protagonist who learns that knowing what comes next doesn't have to ruin the present moment. The tone is thoughtful and slightly melancholic but ultimately empowering and life-affirming for the 8 to 12 age group.