Step

Reach for this book when your child starts asking big questions about the world or expresses a desire to help others but doesn't know where to start. This collection of short stories follows ten different eleven-year-olds around the globe as they navigate significant challenges like environmental activism, social injustice, and personal integrity. It bridges the gap between childhood innocence and global awareness by showing that even small steps can lead to meaningful change. Parents will appreciate how Deborah Ellis treats young readers with intellectual respect, tackling serious themes with a grounded and hopeful perspective. While the settings vary from classrooms to protest lines, the emotional core remains focused on the resilience and agency of children. It is an ideal choice for fostering empathy and starting honest conversations about the complexities of the modern world without being overwhelming.