The Long Ride

Reach for this book when your middle-schooler is navigating the shift from the familiar comfort of childhood to the complex social dynamics of a new school. This story is particularly resonant for children who feel like they are caught between different worlds, whether due to their heritage, their neighborhood, or a growing distance between old friends. Set against the backdrop of 1971 New York, the novel follows three mixed-race girls as they are split up for junior high: two join a pioneering school integration program, while one enters a private school. It is a thoughtful exploration of how shifting environments can change our perceptions of ourselves and our loyalty to others. While it deals with historical racism and social upheaval, the tone remains grounded in the relatable emotional stakes of twelve-year-olds. Parents will appreciate how it models the courage needed to define one's own identity when the world tries to impose a label.