The Treasure Island

Reach for this book when your child is starting to navigate the complex world of peer pressure and needs to understand that people are not always who they first appear to be. It is an essential read for a child beginning to exert independence and testing their own moral compass in the face of charisma and temptation. The story follows young Jim Hawkins as he leaves his mother's inn to join a high-stakes voyage for buried treasure. Through his eyes, we explore themes of bravery, the consequences of greed, and the weight of personal integrity. While it is a thrilling historical adventure, it serves as a profound psychological study of mentorship and betrayal. It is best suited for middle schoolers who are ready to move past clear-cut heroes and villains to explore more realistic, nuanced characters like Long John Silver. Parents will appreciate how it sparks conversations about discernment and the courage it takes to do the right thing when no one is watching.