Zebrafish

Reach for this book when your middle schooler is starting to look beyond themselves and wondering how they can use their unique talents to help others. This graphic novel follows Vita and her new bandmates as they navigate the social highs and lows of starting a rock group, only to realize that their collective voice can do more than just make music. It is a perfect choice for children who are beginning to process the reality of childhood illness in their peer groups or those who feel a burgeoning sense of social activism. The story beautifully balances the lighthearted fun of creativity and friendship with the weight of supporting a friend battling leukemia. It models how teamwork and empathy can turn a hobby into a mission of kindness. Appropriate for ages 8 to 12, it provides a gentle, secular entry point into conversations about empathy, community support, and the power of young people to effect change.