The Rogues

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the feeling that the world is unfair or when they are facing a major life transition, like a move, that feels forced upon them. Set during the Scottish Clearances of the 19th century, it follows young Roddy Macrae as he fights to save his family home from a ruthless landlord. It is a stirring tale of grit and moral courage that explores how to maintain dignity when those in power try to take it away. Parents will appreciate the historical depth and the way it models standing up for one's community. While it contains some intense moments of peril and historical hardship, it is ideal for middle schoolers ready for a more complex look at justice and resilience. It serves as a powerful reminder that even when we cannot change the world, we can choose how we stand within it.