Forest Born

Reach for this book when your child feels overshadowed by others or is burdened by a secret sense of being 'wrong' or 'bad' deep inside. In this final installment of the Books of Bayern series, young Rin struggles with a profound sense of shame after discovering she possesses a dark magical ability to manipulate others. Believing herself to be a monster, she leaves her forest home to seek clarity, eventually joining her sister-in-law, Queen Ani, on a journey to a foreign land. This is a sophisticated middle grade fantasy that prioritizes internal emotional growth over mere action. It explores themes of self-forgiveness, the power of one's voice, and the realization that we are not defined by our worst impulses. It is an excellent choice for 10 to 14-year-olds who enjoy high fantasy but are also ready for a deeper dive into the complexities of identity and moral agency.