Share the Joy!

Reach for this book when your child is beginning to question the infallibility of adults or is feeling the first stirrings of independent adventure. It is a sophisticated choice for readers who are ready to transition from simple fairy tales to complex world-building where the line between hero and villain is often blurred. Through the journey of Prue and Curtis, the story explores the weight of responsibility and the courage required to navigate systems that are not always designed with a child's best interests in mind. While the plot centers on a rescue mission into a forbidden forest, the emotional heart of the book is about self-reliance and the realization that bravery is often born from necessity. With its lush descriptions and intricate internal mythology, it provides a perfect bridge for middle schoolers who crave high-stakes fantasy but still appreciate the grounding influence of a modern setting. It is an excellent tool for discussing justice, the importance of questioning authority, and the enduring power of friendship.