When the World Turned Upside Down

Reach for this book when your child is struggling to process large scale social shifts or feeling the lingering anxiety of global events that disrupted their sense of normalcy. It is a vital tool for families looking to bridge the gap between individual experience and community responsibility. The story follows four diverse neighbors in an apartment building who must navigate the early days of the COVID 19 pandemic and the subsequent social justice protests that emerge. Through the perspectives of Shayla, Liam, Ai, and Ben, the narrative explores how isolation can be transformed into connection through small acts of kindness and collective action. It is a deeply empathetic look at how children perceive adult problems, offering a roadmap for discussing systemic issues like racism and economic inequality in a way that feels manageable and hopeful. It is best suited for children ages 8 to 12 who are starting to ask big questions about fairness and their place in the world.