Sned Higgins

Reach for this book when your middle-schooler is facing a major social hurdle or a public speaking event and is clinging to a specific hobby or 'lucky charm' for security. Sned Higgins is a quirky sixth-grader who believes his ninja skills and his trusty sword are the only things that will get him through a high-stakes campaign speech for class president. When his sword is left at his Grandma's house, the story becomes a humorous race against time that explores the intersection of imagination and self-confidence. It is a fantastic choice for 8 to 12 year olds who feel a bit like outsiders. The story validates the need for 'emotional armor' while gently nudging children toward the realization that their true strength comes from within, not from the props they carry. It turns a common childhood anxiety into a lighthearted adventure about growing up and finding your voice.