Tadpole

Reach for this book when your child is starting to notice social inequities or when you want to discuss the protective power of a loving, extended family. While set in 1950s Kentucky, the core of the story is the fierce loyalty a family shows to a relative in trouble. It addresses the reality that some adults are not safe, but emphasizes that children can find refuge and advocacy through the courage of others. Through the eyes of four sisters, the story explores the arrival of their cousin Tad, who is fleeing a situation of neglect and abuse. While the family has very little money, they have an abundance of heart. It is a moving choice for middle-grade readers who are ready to explore heavier themes of justice and empathy within the safety of a supportive family narrative.