Words by Heart

A parent would reach for this book when their child is beginning to question the presence of unfairness and cruelty in the world, or when they are struggling to understand how to respond to hostility with dignity. It is a powerful resource for middle-grade readers navigating the complex emotions of being an outsider or dealing with the first sharp stings of systemic prejudice. The story follows Lena Sills, a brilliant girl whose family moves to a predominantly white town in the West. As she tries to prove her worth through her talent for memorization and words, she and her family face escalating racial hostility. While the book concludes with a profound tragedy, its primary focus is on the moral strength Lena inherits from her father. It is a deeply moving exploration of integrity, the weight of history, and the choice to remain kind even when the world is not. This is a heavy but essential read for mature 10 to 14 year olds that provides a framework for discussing justice and resilience.