All the Things You Are

A parent would reach for this book when their child is facing a sudden, public family crisis or dealing with the deep shame of a parent's criminal mistake. It is an essential resource for teenagers who feel defined by their family's worst moments rather than their own character. The story follows Carly, a girl whose life is shattered when her mother is arrested for embezzlement, forcing the family to relocate and Carly to reinvent herself in a world of financial hardship and social stigma. It explores heavy themes of honesty, integrity, and the complexity of loving someone who has done something wrong. Recommended for ages 12 and up, this novel provides a realistic roadmap for finding one's own voice and identity amidst the wreckage of a parent's choices.