The Size of the Truth

Reach for this book when your child is weighed down by a past mistake or feels trapped by a label they did not choose for themselves. It is a deeply resonant story for middle schoolers who are learning that honesty is less about a single moment of truth and more about the ongoing courage to be who you actually are. The narrative follows Sam Abernathy, a boy who survived a childhood accident but has spent years hiding the reality of what happened in that dark well. Through a blend of humor and poignant reflection, the book explores how secrets can isolate us and how genuine friendship provides the safety needed to come clean. It is a masterful look at the burden of guilt and the lightness that comes with redemption, making it an excellent choice for kids navigating the social pressures of pre-adolescence and the internal struggle to define their own identities.