About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle-schooler is grappling with questions about historical injustice, the ethics of how we treat others, or the profound loneliness of feeling like an outsider in their own life. It is a powerful choice for children who are mature enough to discuss the darker side of history and the complexities of human dignity. Based on a true story, the book follows Minik, an Inuit boy brought from Greenland to New York as a living exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History. The narrative explores deep themes of grief, betrayal, and the struggle to maintain one's identity when a dominant culture tries to erase it. While the subject matter is heavy, it provides a vital window into the real-world consequences of exploration and scientific ego. It is best suited for ages 10 to 14, serving as a catalyst for meaningful family discussions about empathy and the importance of seeing every person as a human being rather than a specimen.
