Friends

Reach for this book when your middle-schooler is beginning to navigate the social complexities of new friend groups, cliques, or feelings of being left out. This guide features the Guardians of W.i.t.c.h., five relatable girls who use their magical backgrounds to offer practical advice on loyalty, self-confidence, and managing peer pressure. It effectively bridges the gap between fantasy and real-world social-emotional needs. While the characters have superpowers, the focus here is on the emotional sphere of being a pre-teen. The book normalizes the everyday 'flaws' of growing up, such as arguing with friends or feeling the need to hide parts of oneself. It is an excellent tool for opening conversations about what makes a healthy friendship and how to stay true to yourself while being part of a team.