The Button Boat

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with feelings of unfairness or needs to see the power of sibling loyalty during times of scarcity. It is a poignant choice for children who are beginning to notice socioeconomic differences and are asking questions about why some people have less than others. Set during the Great Depression, the story follows Duster and Austine, two siblings living in extreme poverty on a river, who must rely on their wits and each other to survive. Through its blend of gritty realism and high-stakes adventure, the book explores themes of resilience and the search for dignity. While the setting is tough, the bond between the siblings provides a hopeful anchor, making it a powerful tool for building empathy and perspective in middle-grade readers.