Blood Brother

Reach for this book when your child feels like the odd one out in their own family or is struggling with an intense love-hate relationship with a sibling. It is a perfect choice for middle-grade readers who crave spooky atmosphere and high-stakes adventure but are also navigating the complex emotions of growing up and finding their place. The story follows Balam, a young boy who discovers his older brother is part of a supernatural lineage of blood-drinkers. As the boys navigate a world of monsters and ancient secrets, the book tackles heavy themes of loyalty, fear, and the search for belonging within a family that feels alien. While it contains elements of horror, the core of the narrative is about the indestructible bond between brothers. Parents will appreciate how it uses the supernatural as a metaphor for the scary transitions of adolescence and the complicated nature of sibling protection.