Anna of Byzantium

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with a sense of injustice, particularly regarding gender expectations or a sudden loss of status. It speaks directly to the frustration of being told 'no' simply because of who you are. The story follows Anna Comnena, a brilliant princess in eleventh-century Constantinople, who is groomed to rule but sees her throne stolen by her younger brother. As Anna moves from a position of immense power to exile in a convent, the narrative explores the heavy emotional weight of jealousy, the pain of betrayal by those who should love us most, and the difficult process of finding a new identity when your original dreams are shattered. It is a sophisticated historical drama suited for mature middle schoolers and early teens who enjoy complex characters and are ready to discuss the messy intersection of ambition and morality.