The Middle Moffat

A parent would reach for this book when their child feels lost in the shuffle of siblings or is struggling to define their own unique identity within the family. It speaks directly to the middle-child experience of feeling slightly invisible while searching for a special way to stand out. The story follows Janey Moffat, a creative and observant girl living in a small Connecticut town during World War I, as she navigates the ups and downs of childhood, from local organ recitals to an unexpected encounter with the oldest inhabitant of the town. Janey's journey is defined by a vivid imagination that often leads to humorous misunderstandings, making it a comforting and normalizing read for children ages 8 to 12. Parents will appreciate the book's gentle pace and its portrayal of a close-knit, though financially struggling, family. It provides a wonderful opening for conversations about self-confidence, the value of one's inner world, and how to find a sense of belonging when you are neither the oldest nor the youngest.