About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle schooler is beginning to question authority or feels like their opinions do not matter to the adults in charge. It is a perfect choice for the child who is passionate about fairness but maybe a little hesitant to be the first one to speak up. The story follows a seventh grader who discovers that a beloved school tradition is on the chopping block, sparking a journey into student activism, community organizing, and the complexities of local politics. While the plot focuses on saving a maple syrup festival, the heart of the book is about finding your identity within a group. It explores themes of justice and perseverance in a way that feels empowering rather than overwhelming. For parents, this is an excellent tool to normalize the feelings of frustration that come with growing up, while modeling constructive ways to channel that energy into positive change. It is sophisticated enough for the 10 to 12 age range but remains grounded in the relatable world of middle school social dynamics.
