The Milk of Birds

Reach for this book when your teenager begins questioning their privilege or shows an interest in global justice and the human stories behind the news headlines. This verse novel follows the dual perspectives of Nawra, a girl in a Darfur refugee camp, and K.C., a teen in suburban Virginia, as they become pen pals. It explores themes of resilience, the power of female friendship, and the shared humanity that exists despite vast cultural and economic divides. Parents will appreciate how it handles heavy topics like war and trauma with grace and hope, making it a profound tool for developing empathy in middle and high school students.