Shark Teeth

Reach for this book when your child is acting as the protector or caretaker in your family, or when they are struggling with the invisible burden of a parent's unpredictable mental health. It is a vital resource for children who feel they must hide their domestic reality to fit in at school. The story follows twelve year old Kita as she navigates the complexities of the foster care system, food insecurity, and the fierce desire to keep her siblings safe while her mother struggles with an undiagnosed mental illness. It addresses heavy themes of shame and resilience with deep empathy, offering a realistic but ultimately hopeful roadmap for middle grade readers. Parents will find it a powerful tool for validating the feelings of children who carry adult responsibilities and for opening honest conversations about the fact that it is okay to ask for help.