Sardines

Reach for this book when your child feels like an outsider in their own home or is struggling to find their place in a shifting family dynamic. It is particularly resonant for kids navigating the complexities of a single-parent household or the arrival of new, unexpected family members. The story follows Lucas, who finds himself squeezed into a summer of change when a long-lost cousin and her mother move in, upending his quiet life with his dad. Through the metaphor of the game Sardines, the book explores themes of belonging, the fear of being replaced, and the courage it takes to open your heart to new people. Written for middle-grade readers, it offers a realistic yet hopeful look at how families can grow and change without losing the core bonds that hold them together. It is an excellent choice for normalizing feelings of resentment or loneliness that often accompany major life transitions.