The SOS File

Reach for this book when your child comes home from school feeling crushed by a small social blunder or a minor academic mishap. Written by Newbery medalist Betsy Byars, this collection of stories centers on a classroom SOS file where students write down their most embarrassing or stressful moments. It provides a comforting mirror for children ages 8 to 12 who struggle with perfectionism or social anxiety, showing them that everyone else is navigating their own secret emergencies too. Through humor and relatable scenarios, the book effectively de-escalates the high stakes of childhood drama. It is an excellent choice for normalizing feelings of shame and guilt, helping children realize that today's disaster is tomorrow's funny story. The short, punchy chapters make it an easy read for kids who might feel overwhelmed by longer novels.