Moonleapers

Reach for this book when your child is feeling the weight of new responsibilities or struggling to balance family duties with their own desire for independence. Maisie is thrilled to get her first phone, but the excitement is dampened by the realization that it comes with a heavy price: she must act as a secondary caregiver for her younger siblings during a family move to help an elderly relative. This story expertly explores the tension between duty and autonomy, while introducing a thrilling science-fiction mystery that validates a child's desire to make a difference in the world. It is a perfect choice for middle-grade readers who are navigating the transition from childhood play to adolescent responsibility. The story normalizes the frustration of being the 'responsible one' while celebrating the bravery required to step into a larger world of mystery and adventure.