The Last Straw

A parent should reach for this book when their child is feeling pressured by family expectations or struggling with the social awkwardness of middle school. The Last Straw continues the journal of Greg Heffley, a boy caught between his father's attempts to 'toughen him up' and his own efforts to navigate friendships, crushes, and embarrassing family moments. Written in a hilarious diary format with cartoon illustrations, the book validates feelings of frustration and the desire to fit in, without being preachy. For ages 8-12, it's a perfect choice for reluctant readers, using humor to normalize the anxieties of growing up and showing kids they aren't alone in their cringeworthy experiences.