Ronia, the Robber's Daughter

Reach for this book when your child is beginning to push against the boundaries of your world and starting to form their own opinions on right and wrong. It is the perfect choice for the young explorer who is ready to venture out alone but still needs the safety of home to return to. Ronia is the daughter of a robber chieftain, born into a life of ancient family feuds and lawlessness. As she grows, she befriends the son of her father's rival and discovers that her family's way of life is not the only path available to her. This classic explores the tension between loyalty to one's parents and the development of a personal moral compass. It is a rugged, beautiful tale of independence and the power of friendship to heal old wounds. While it contains some scary mythological creatures and rough-and-tumble bandit life, it serves as a profound model for how children can lead their parents toward growth and reconciliation.