Flying Over Water

Reach for this book when your child is processing the complexity of global events, asking questions about the refugee crisis, or feeling the weight of social injustice. It is a dual-perspective story following Noura, a Syrian refugee fleeing civil war, and Jordyn, a competitive swimmer in Florida grappling with anxiety. Through their blossoming friendship, the narrative explores the intersections of cultural identity, religious freedom, and the courage it takes to stand up for others in a divided world. This middle-grade novel is an excellent tool for normalizing difficult emotions like fear and grief while providing a hopeful blueprint for allyship. It balances the heavy realities of the Syrian conflict and the 2017 travel ban with a warm, school-centered plot that feels accessible for kids aged 8 to 12. Parents will appreciate how it humanizes the headlines, turning abstract news into a relatable journey of empathy and resilience.