Truce of the Wolf and Other Tales of Old Italy

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the idea of 'the enemy' or struggling to find compassion for someone who has treated them unkindly. This Newbery Honor collection uses the legendary landscape of old Italy to explore how empathy can transform conflict. Through the titular story of Saint Francis and the Wolf of Gubbio, along with other folk tales, children see that true bravery often looks like extending a hand instead of a fist. It is an ideal choice for families who value traditional storytelling and want to discuss how faith and mercy intersect with real-world problems. While the language is sophisticated, the emotional core is deeply accessible for middle-grade readers, offering a timeless model for restorative justice.