Red Menace

Reach for this book when your child starts questioning the moral absolutes of the world or feels the weight of keeping a difficult secret. Set in 1950s Kansas during the Red Scare, it follows Marty, a boy who discovers his parents are being investigated for Communist ties. It is an essential read for middle schoolers navigating the transition from childhood innocence to the complex reality of their parents as flawed, vulnerable individuals. The story masterfully balances the tension of a historical thriller with the intimate emotional stakes of a family under pressure. Parents will find it a perfect tool for discussing how to stay true to one's values when the surrounding community is driven by fear and suspicion. It addresses themes of Jewish identity, political justice, and the courage required to stand by those you love, even when it is dangerous.