Punch with Judy

Reach for this book when your child feels they lack a special talent or struggles to find their place in a group. It is an ideal choice for the child who feels like an 'underdog' or an outsider. Set in the aftermath of the Civil War, the story follows Punch, an orphan with no apparent skills who is taken in by a traveling medicine show owner named Dr. Marvellous. While others doubt Punch's worth, Dr. Marvellous maintains an unwavering faith in the boy's potential. This historical adventure explores themes of found family, the weight of others' expectations, and the quiet resilience required to discover one's own voice. It is a comforting read for ages 8 to 12 that validates the slow, sometimes difficult process of building self-confidence and proving one's value to the world.