The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart

Reach for this book when your child feels like a square peg in a round hole, or when they are struggling to articulate feelings of loneliness and the fear of losing a close bond. It is a hauntingly beautiful story about Lionel and Mary, two foster children who find a sense of belonging in each other and the wild woods, only to have their world upended when a mysterious blue shadow begins to change Mary. Through a blend of magical realism and atmospheric mystery, the story explores the heavy weights of grief and the selfless nature of true loyalty. While the book touches on themes of abandonment and the supernatural, it does so with a poetic gentleness that makes it appropriate for middle grade readers. Parents will appreciate the way it validates the intensity of childhood friendships and the healing power of being understood. It is an excellent choice for navigating conversations about the invisible scars left by loss and the bravery required to protect those we love, even when things feel strange or scary.