The Stone Heart

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the idea of conflicting loyalties or the pressure to inherit their family's prejudices. As the middle chapter in the Nameless City trilogy, this story focuses on Kaidu and Rat as they navigate a city on the brink of civil war. It is an ideal pick for middle schoolers who are starting to realize that the adults in their lives are flawed and that true justice often requires standing up against one's own community. Through stunning martial arts action and a rich fantasy setting, the book explores how friendship can bridge deep cultural divides. Parents will appreciate the nuanced take on political tension and the emphasis on empathy as a tool for peace.