The Stars Beneath Our Feet

Reach for this book when your child is processing a significant loss and feels like the world around them has become chaotic or unsafe. It is particularly powerful for middle schoolers who feel pressured to join the 'wrong crowd' just to find a sense of belonging. The story follows Lolly, a boy in Harlem grieving his brother's gang-related death, who finds solace in building an intricate city out of LEGO bricks. This realistic, secular novel explores the intersection of creativity and resilience. It addresses heavy themes of urban violence and grief with a hopeful, grounded perspective, showing how art can provide a blueprint for a new life. It is ideal for ages 10 to 14, providing a roadmap for navigating peer pressure while honoring one's true self.