Wires Crossed

Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the 'third wheel' dynamic or feels like an old friend is being stolen by a new social circle. Mia is an outsider who is thrilled when her science camp friend, Tariq, moves to her town. However, the transition from long distance to in-person is bumpy as Tariq quickly falls in with the cool crowd, leaving Mia feeling discarded. Through the lens of a high stakes science competition, the story explores the nuances of loyalty, jealousy, and the courage required to advocate for one's own worth. It is a perfect middle grade choice for normalizing the painful shifts that happen in friendships as children grow and change. The bright graphic novel format makes these heavy social themes accessible and engaging for readers aged 8 to 12.