Wolf for a Spell, A

Reach for this book when your child is struggling to see things from another person's perspective or is feeling like an outsider in their own social circles. A Wolf for a Spell is a lushly reimagined Russian folktale that follows Zarya the wolf, Baba Yaga the witch, and Zvezda the orphan as their lives literally and figuratively intertwine. Through a magical body swap, the story explores what happens when we are forced to walk in an enemy's paws, or a witch's boots, to save the home we love. It is a sophisticated but accessible choice for middle grade readers who enjoy animal fantasy and are ready to explore deeper themes of trust, sacrifice, and the blurred lines between hero and villain. Parents will appreciate the way it encourages empathy and bravery while celebrating the beauty of the natural world.