Risk N' Roses

Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the burden of caring for a sibling or feeling forced to choose between family loyalty and the desire to fit in with a popular, potentially risky group of friends. Set in 1948, it follows eleven-year-old Skip as she navigates the emotional minefield of moving to a new neighborhood in the Bronx while looking after her sister, Angela, who has an intellectual disability. This story provides a raw and honest look at the guilt, shame, and resentment that can accompany family responsibilities. It is a powerful tool for opening conversations about peer pressure and the difficult realization that our idols are often flawed. Best suited for middle schoolers, it offers a realistic rather than idealized resolution to complex social dilemmas.