Stacey's Secret Friend

Reach for this book when you notice your child navigating the complexities of a new friendship where something feels 'off' or hidden. This story provides a gentle entry point for discussing the shame often associated with financial hardship and how children might try to hide their home life to fit in. Stacey, a trendy girl from New York, meets a new friend named Tess who seems perfect but is strangely secretive. As the truth about Tess's family finances comes to light, the story models how to move past judgment toward true empathy and loyalty. It is ideal for children ages 8 to 12 who are beginning to understand social hierarchies and the value of discretion and kindness in supporting a friend in need.