The King in the Window

Reach for this book when your child is feeling like an outsider, perhaps due to a recent move or a struggle to find their place in a new social environment. This sophisticated urban fantasy follows Oliver, an American boy in Paris, who feels disconnected from both his old life and his new surroundings until he discovers a hidden world within the city's windowpanes. Through a battle against mirror-dwelling soul-stealers, the story addresses the deep-seated desire to be seen for who we truly are. While the plot is a grand adventure, the emotional core focuses on identity and the courage it takes to step into a leadership role when you feel like a misfit. The prose is rich and intellectual, making it an excellent choice for 10 to 14 year olds who enjoy complex world-building. It transforms the mundane experience of being an expatriate or a 'different' kid into a magical calling, validating a child's sense of loneliness while offering a path toward belonging and self-confidence.