The Summer I Learned to Fly

Reach for this book when your middle schooler feels confined by the safety of their routine or is struggling to branch out beyond their comfort zone. It is a perfect selection for the child who is starting to realize that the world is much bigger than their own backyard and that growing up often requires taking an emotional leap. The story follows Drew, a girl who spends her summer working in her mother's cheese shop and sticking to a predictable schedule, until a mysterious boy named Rat and his dog lead her on a transformative journey. It navigates themes of independence, the weight of secrets, and the discovery of unexpected bravery. For parents, this serves as a gentle bridge into conversations about trust and the complicated reality that people we meet may carry burdens we cannot see. It is a realistic, heartwarming exploration of that pivotal summer where a child begins to see themselves as an individual with their own story to tell.