Across So Many Seas is the opposite of brain rot. It’s a gorgeous, deeply researched piece of historical fiction that manages to be both educational and genuinely moving.

Ruth Behar doesn't talk down to her audience. She trusts kids to handle the weight of history—the Inquisition, the Cuban Revolution, the immigrant hustle—without making the book feel like a slog.

If your kid is into history or you want them to understand the nuances of the Jewish diaspora beyond the typical WWII narrative, this is a must-read. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you close the cover.