The Summer of the Swans

Reach for this book when your middle schooler is feeling 'out of sorts' with their changing body, their family dynamics, or their own sense of self worth. It is a perfect choice for siblings of neurodivergent children who may feel a complicated mix of fierce protection and occasional resentment. The story follows fourteen year old Sara, whose summer of teenage angst is interrupted when her younger brother Charlie, who has a cognitive disability, goes missing. As the search for Charlie intensifies, Sara's perspective shifts from internal self criticism to external empathy. This Newbery Medal winner is a gentle, realistic exploration of growing up and finding your place within a family. It is best suited for ages 10 to 14, providing a safe space to discuss the complexities of loving someone who is different and the awkward transition into adolescence.