Stories for Growing
Cover of Maddi’s FridgeAge guidance pending
Kindness

Maddi’s Fridge

Lois Brandt

Age guidance pending

We haven’t confirmed a numerical age range for this book yet.

Listed by Sarah Miller under Service.

Sofia discovers that her friend Maddi’s refrigerator contains only milk because Maddi’s family lacks money for groceries. Maddi asks Sofia to keep it secret. Sofia attempts to carry food to Maddi but finds that some food spoils or breaks in her backpack; worried, she tells her own mother. The adults bring groceries, after which the girls resume playing together.

Good forWanting to help

Recommended by Can we read? — Children’s books about values

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What children see in the story

Sofia initially keeps her friend’s confidence. She tries several direct ways to help. She decides to involve a trusted adult when the problem is too large for her to solve.

Why it’s on these shelves

Kindness
Sofia finds out that her friend Maddi’s family can’t afford groceries. She tries carrying food to Maddi in her backpack, and when that doesn’t work, she tells her mom so the grown-ups can help.

Why pick it up?

Kirkus and Worlds of Words describe adults bringing groceries and allowing the children to return to ordinary play. The story treats disclosure as help-seeking rather than betrayal, but the full ending and Maddi’s family’s agency merit review.

A note for parents

Sofia breaks a promise to keep her friend’s secret and tells her mother. Worth talking about why telling a trusted adult was the kind choice here.

Where this recommendation comes from

Can we read? — Children’s books about values

Listed by Sarah Miller under Service.

Read Sarah Miller’s recommendation
Sources and review status

We have checked source descriptions and drafted the value mapping. We have not personally reviewed the full book. The value labels, situation assignments, and parent notes remain provisional.

Publisher or literacy resource · Original recommendation

Our explanation of the value fit is separate from the original reviewer’s judgment. Their inclusion here does not imply an endorsement of Stories for Growing.

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