The Shifter

Reach for this book when your child feels that their unique traits are more of a burden than a blessing, or when they are struggling with the weight of responsibility toward their family. It is an ideal choice for middle schoolers navigating the transition from childhood innocence to the complex moral realities of the adult world. In a city under military occupation, Nya discovers she has a dangerous and unique magical gift: she can take pain from others, but instead of healing it, she can only shift it into another person. As she searches for her missing sister, Nya must decide if using her 'flawed' power for the right reasons justifies the harm it causes. The story masterfully explores themes of resilience, integrity, and the difficult choices we make when our values are tested by survival and love. It is a sophisticated fantasy that mirrors real-world feelings of being an outsider.