Bravelands is a rock-solid choice for middle-grade readers who want to sink their teeth into a big series. It's the classic Erin Hunter formula—complex animal societies, a dash of mysticism, and a lot of high-stakes drama.

It isn't 'brain rot' by any stretch; it actually requires a fair amount of focus to track the different hierarchies and the overarching plot. Just know that it doesn't sugarcoat the savannah. Animals die, often at the paws of other animals. If your kid is the type to be devastated by the death of a fictional lion, maybe have some tissues ready or steer them toward something lighter.