The Seventh Most Important Thing

Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the aftermath of a poor decision, facing a period of probation or discipline, or mourning the loss of a parent. It is an ideal choice for middle schoolers who feel defined by their mistakes and need to see a path toward restorative justice. The story follows Arthur, a boy who throws a brick at an elderly man in a moment of impulsive grief and is sentenced to work for his victim. Through the process of collecting junk for a mysterious art project, Arthur discovers that beauty can be reclaimed from the trash and that a single act of anger does not have to define his entire life. It is a compassionate exploration of grace and the slow process of healing a broken heart.