Reading Worm

For many parents, bringing up the topic of therapy or counseling with a pre-teen can feel incredibly daunting. We worry about saying the wrong thing or making them feel like something is "wrong" with them. But what if we treated mental health care as something entirely ordinary? In her new book, Linda Soules does exactly that for readers aged 10 to 12. Instead of focusing on clinical jargon or treating therapy as an emergency response, she introduces the concept through the comforting, everyday details of a counselor's room: The Environment: Two chairs, a box of tissues within arm's reach, and a white noise machine in the hallway. The Tools: How sand trays, puppets, and drawing help kids express feelings they don't have words for yet. The Access: Normalizing the school counselor's door as a place to go just because you have something on your mind, not because you're in a crisis. By framing emotional wellness as a normal part of growing up, this book giv...

Every parent knows that kid. The one who doesn't just take your word for it, who questions the rumors in the schoolyard, and who might even fact-check a group-chat claim before going to sleep. If you are raising a naturally curious ten- to twelve-year-old, Linda Soules’s new book, So You Want to Be a Journalist , belongs on your radar. Part of the popular So You Want To Be A series, this guide completely strips away Hollywood headline glamour. Instead, it introduces kids to the real, patient, and essential work of reporting. Soules doesn't water anything down. She covers everything from the journalists' ethics code and FOIA requests to the golden newsroom rule: even if your mother says she loves you, check it out. Complete with engaging illustrations of busy newsrooms and profiles of legends like Nellie Bly and Gordon Parks, it’s the perfect book to read together. It naturally sparks great family conversations about truth, accountability, and the weight of putting your na...

We’ve all seen it: that one kid who can debate their bedtime with the precision of a supreme court justice. If you have a middle-grader who is constantly questioning the rules, it might be time to channel that energy into something practical. Linda Soules’s new book, So You Want to Be a Lawyer , is the perfect reality check for legally-minded kids. Instead of feeding them Hollywood courtroom drama, this book dives into what real attorneys actually do. It explains how lawyers look at rules, build a case, and help regular people navigate confusing systems. What makes it a great read for families is its absolute honesty. It doesn't hide the long hours or the fact that lawyers sometimes lose cases. It’s written in a sharp, clear style that respects a child's intelligence, backed up by great illustrations of courtrooms and legal databases that give you a perfect excuse to pause and talk about the legal system together. If you know a child who wants to understand how the world actual...

We’ve all been there: your child looks at the news, or notices something unfair in your neighborhood, and asks a question that stops you cold in your tracks. How do you explain how the world works without crushing their optimism? I found the answer this week in Linda Soules’ new book, So You Want To Be An Activist . Written beautifully for the 10-to-12 age gap, it treats kids like the intelligent, capable humans they are. While reading it together, my daughter sat on the spread about Wangari Maathai—the woman who started a movement by planting trees—and asked me: "Can one person planting trees really count?" That single question sparked a 30-minute conversation we never would have had otherwise. If you're looking for a book that bridges the gap between big, scary world issues and meaningful family connection, this is the one to read together. 👉 Check out our full analysis of the book: BookBelow: So You Want To Be An Activist Review

In a world where stress, burnout, and constant distractions have become part of everyday life, The Power of Caring by Dr. Tony Nader offers a refreshing perspective on what truly matters. Instead of treating caring as an obligation, the book explores how conscious compassion can become a source of strength, resilience, and fulfillment. Blending neuroscience, psychology, philosophy, and practical reflection, Dr. Nader explains how caring for yourself and others doesn't have to lead to exhaustion. Through relatable stories and simple exercises, readers discover how healthy boundaries, meaningful choices, and mindful awareness can transform everyday life into something more purposeful. Whether you're a caregiver, healthcare professional, or simply looking for a deeper sense of connection, this inspiring guide encourages you to care wisely—not endlessly. Learn more about the book: https://www.bookbelow.com/book/BB841018771/the-power-of-caring-who-cares-why-it-matters-and-how-...

Fantasy readers looking for an unforgettable adventure will find plenty to love in The Keepers of Horns and Wings by A. Gray. Blending unicorns, dragons, forbidden romance, and an ancient curse, this captivating fantasy offers an emotional journey filled with mystery, danger, and hope. The story follows Ellise Portier, whose life changes forever after the loss of her mother. She soon discovers that she is the guardian of the world's last herd of unicorns, a responsibility that places her in the middle of a centuries-old conflict. Her greatest challenge arrives when she meets Kairo, a Dragon Keeper from a rival people she has been taught to fear. To protect their magical creatures, Ellise and Kairo must form an uneasy alliance. But as a mysterious curse begins stealing memories from everyone it touches, they uncover a shocking truth: the only way to break the curse may be to trust each other completely. Their growing relationship is tested by loyalty, sacrifice, and the possibility...