Seeing Cinderella

Reach for this book when your child is struggling to navigate the 'invisible' rules of middle school social circles or feels like they are the only one who doesn't fit in. Seeing Cinderella addresses the common pre-teen desire to know what others are really thinking, especially during the vulnerable transition into a new school year or social hierarchy. The story follows Callie, a middle-schooler who receives a pair of magical glasses that allow her to see people's true thoughts and feelings. Through this lighthearted but insightful premise, the book explores themes of empathy, the pressure to conform, and the realization that everyone, even the 'popular' kids, is dealing with their own insecurities. It is an excellent choice for 8 to 12-year-olds who are experiencing social anxiety or friendship shifts, providing a safe space to discuss the difference between appearances and reality.