Reaching Dustin

Reach for this book when your child starts making snap judgments about 'the weird kid' or seems influenced by school-yard rumors. It is an essential tool for parents who want to foster deep empathy and help their child understand that every person carries a hidden story. The story follows fifth-grader Carly as she is assigned a class project with Dustin, a boy from a troubled family who is constantly teased and ostracized. As Carly digs deeper, she discovers the heavy burden of poverty, family trauma, and the crushing weight of a bad reputation that Dustin has to carry every day. It deals sensitively with themes of social isolation and economic hardship. This is a powerful choice for children ages 9 to 12 who are navigating the complex social hierarchies of middle school and learning the difference between pity and true connection.