The Best Man

Reach for this book when your child is standing on the threshold of puberty and searching for examples of what it means to be a good man in the modern world. Archer Magill is a fifth grader navigating the transition to middle school while observing the adults in his life, including his architect grandfather, his car-enthusiast father, and his beloved uncle. It is a warm, witty exploration of growing up, finding one's voice, and understanding that heroes come in many forms. Parents will appreciate the way it normalizes LGBTQ+ family dynamics through a lens of love and tradition. It is a gentle, sophisticated choice for kids aged 9 to 12 who are starting to notice the complexities of adult relationships and the shifting expectations of their own gender identity.