Circle the Truth

Reach for this book when your child is struggling to navigate the confusing, often isolating aftermath of losing a parent or loved one. It is particularly helpful for children who feel like their internal reality does not match the expectations of the world around them. The story follows Rennie, a boy who sees things others don't and who must find his own way through the fog of grief while living with a grandfather he barely knows. It is a quiet, deeply empathetic exploration of honesty, family secrets, and the courage it takes to trust your own eyes when everyone else is telling you to look away. Schmatz handles the weight of mourning with a grounded, realistic touch that validates a child's complex emotions without being overly sentimental. It is an excellent choice for middle grade readers who appreciate stories that respect their intelligence and their capacity for deep feeling.