Adrift!

Reach for this book when your middle schooler is struggling with group dynamics or feels like they do not quite fit into a specific social archetype. It is an ideal choice for the child who is nervous about upcoming summer camps or group trips where they will have to navigate new personalities without a parent present. The story follows six very different girls on a Bahamas sailing trip that takes a dangerous turn when their ship is wrecked, forcing them to move past their surface-level identities to survive. Parents will appreciate how the narrative validates the various ways children process fear, from the timid Libby to the confident Allison, while emphasizing that true bravery is a collective effort. It is a classic 1990s survival tale that remains relevant for its focus on character development and the breaking down of social cliques in high-stakes situations.