Taking on Books that Tackle Tough Topics

Several of my middle-grade novels—including Sunshine, Shelter from the Wind, and On My Honor—tackle challenging subject matter. Many young readers enjoy realistic stories like these, and this kind of book can also help young people develop empathy, feel less alone, and confront the challenges in their own lives. You can also extend the learning beyond the books by talking together about the stories. If you’re looking for helpful hints about how to launch such discussions, here’s a list to start with: “15 of the Best Book Club Discussion Questions for Any Book.”