Squished

A parent would reach for this book when their child feels overwhelmed by a crowded home, frustrated by sibling demands, or is desperate for a space to call their own. Avery is a middle child in a family of seven, and she is tired of the 'squish.' Between sharing a room with her younger sister and navigating the chaos of her brothers, she dreams of a private bedroom. This graphic novel masterfully captures the tension between loving your family and needing independence. It is an ideal pick for ages 8 to 12 to normalize the frustration of shared spaces and help children articulate their need for personal boundaries. Parents will appreciate how the story validates a child's desire for privacy without making them feel guilty for wanting distance from the people they love.