Stacey's Lie

Reach for this book when your child is starting to navigate the complex social waters of middle school crushes and the temptation to embellish the truth to seem cooler. It is a vital resource for children who feel they are boring compared to their peers or who are struggling with the internal weight of a secret. The story follows Stacey McGill, a reliable and sophisticated member of the Baby-Sitters Club, who finds herself caught in a web of lies after she tries to impress a boy she likes. As the falsehoods grow, Stacey faces mounting anxiety and the risk of losing her friends' trust. This realistic fiction novel is perfect for ages 8 to 12. It provides a safe space to discuss how honesty is often the shorter path to happiness, even when the truth feels embarrassing. Parents will appreciate how it models the difficult but necessary process of coming clean and making amends.