Squirm

A parent would reach for this book when their child is wrestling with the reality of an inconsistent or absent parent, or when they need to see that a father's choices do not define a son's worth. While it is framed as a high-stakes adventure involving grizzly bears and spy drones, the heart of the story is Billy's journey to understand his nomadic, mysterious father. It is a perfect choice for middle schoolers who feel like outsiders or those who find solace in the natural world. Carl Hiaasen balances his signature 'twisted' humor with a grounded, realistic exploration of family dynamics, making it an excellent bridge for kids moving from simple adventure stories to more complex emotional narratives. It normalizes the feeling of loving someone who is difficult to know, while celebrating the resilience and independence of the child left behind.