You Go First

Reach for this book when your child feels like they are failing at social geometry, or when they feel more comfortable in online spaces than the school hallway. It is a profound choice for the middle grade reader who feels like an outsider or who is navigating the messy transition of shifting friendships and family instability. The story follows two lonely kids, Charlotte in Philadelphia and Ben in Louisiana, who have never met in person but share an intense bond through an online Scrabble-like game. As they both face isolation in their real lives, their digital connection becomes a lifeline. It validates the idea that true friendship is about being seen for who you are, even from a distance. The tone is deeply empathetic and grounded, making it a perfect mirror for children who feel different or overlooked. It offers a realistic, hopeful look at resilience and the importance of finding your people, even if they live a thousand miles away.