Partners in Grime

Reach for this book when your child feels like a square peg in a round hole at school or is paralyzed by the fear of making a mistake. It provides a humorous, safe space to explore the social anxiety that comes with being 'different' or getting in trouble with authority. The story follows Maxie, Rosie, and Earl, three very different kids who find themselves bonded by a series of mishaps that lead them to skip school together. While the premise involves rule-breaking, the heart of the book is about the relief of finding people who accept you as you are. It is a lighthearted choice for elementary students who need to see that 'perfection' is not a requirement for friendship or belonging. Parents will appreciate how Barbara Park uses wit to de-escalate the high stakes of childhood social stress.