Siberia

Reach for this book when your middle-schooler is beginning to grapple with the ethics of climate change or feels a heavy sense of responsibility for the future of the planet. It is a powerful choice for a child who is ready for a more mature, atmospheric exploration of what it means to protect something precious against all odds. Set in a desolate, animal-free future, the story follows thirteen-year-old Sloe as she treks across a frozen wilderness to safeguard the genetic 'seeds' of extinct species. While the environment is harsh and the stakes are high, the narrative focuses on Sloe's internal strength and her growing independence. It is an ideal bridge for readers moving from simple adventure stories to complex dystopian fiction, offering a serious but ultimately hopeful look at environmental stewardship and the resilience of the human spirit.