The Red Bicycle

Reach for this book when your child is asking deep questions about where they come from or feeling like an outsider within their own family. It is a powerful choice for children in adoptive or blended families who are navigating the heavy realization that their origin story is more complex than they initially thought. While set against a high stakes sci-fi backdrop, the heart of the story is Maisie Lockwood's search for identity after discovering she is a genetic clone of her mother. This middle grade novel explores themes of belonging, the ethics of science, and the definition of family. It validates the feeling of being different while emphasizing that who we are is defined by our choices and those who love us, rather than just our biology. It is ideal for ages 8 to 12, offering a perfect bridge between pulse pounding adventure and significant emotional processing regarding self worth and heritage.