The Changeling

Reach for this book when your child feels like a misfit or is struggling to find a friend who truly 'gets' their inner world. Martha is a shy girl from a conventional family who finds herself mesmerized by Ivy, a girl from a 'difficult' family who claims to be a changeling from another world. Together, they create a secret universe of rituals and stories that shields them from the pressures of school and home. This is a masterful look at how creativity and loyalty can help a child navigate social hierarchies and family expectations. It is perfect for middle schoolers who feel the tension between who they are and who they are expected to be. While it addresses socioeconomic differences and reputation, its primary focus is the life-saving power of a deep, imaginative friendship.