Moon Rising

Reach for this book if your child is entering a new social environment and feels overwhelmed by the 'noise' of peers or feels they must mask their true self to fit in. This story follows Moon, a young dragon who has lived in isolation and possesses the secret ability to read minds. As she enters a diverse new academy, she struggles with the sensory and emotional overload of others' thoughts while trying to decide if her true self is safe to share. While set in a fantasy world of warring dragon tribes, the emotional core is deeply grounded in the experience of social anxiety and the fear of being 'different.' It is a perfect choice for 8 to 12 year olds who enjoy high stakes adventure but are also navigating the complex dynamics of group belonging, secrets, and the courage required to trust new friends.