The Bullying of Natalie Cordova

Reach for this book when your middle-schooler is struggling with social dynamics, rumors, or the feeling that their once-safe friend group has turned toxic. It is an essential choice for children who feel misunderstood or targeted by peer manipulation. The story follows Natalie Cordova as she navigates the painful transition from popularity to isolation, offering a realistic look at how social media and school hallways can become battlegrounds. Parents will appreciate how the book models the difficult process of finding one's internal compass and the courage to walk away from people who dim your light. It provides a mirror for those in the thick of social anxiety and a roadmap for building authentic resilience. It is best suited for ages 9 to 12 as they enter the complex social hierarchy of upper elementary and junior high.