About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is starting to feel the weight of academic expectations or when you notice them struggling to say no to a risky idea from a friend. While it is set in a familiar school environment, the story focuses on the internal tug of war between wanting to be 'cool' and the uncomfortable feeling of knowing a choice is wrong. Arthur and his friends find themselves trapped in a cycle of dares that leads to a plan to skip school, perfectly capturing the snowball effect of peer pressure. This early chapter book is an excellent tool for parents who want to discuss integrity and the concept of 'saving face' without being preachy. It normalizes the desire to escape responsibilities while highlighting the anxiety that comes with dishonesty. By following Arthur's relatable inner monologue, children ages 6 to 9 can see a reflection of their own moral dilemmas and learn that it is okay to be the one who breaks a cycle of bad decisions.
