Annie John

Reach for this book when your daughter begins to pull away, seeking an independence that feels like a rejection of your once-perfect bond. It captures the raw, often uncomfortable transition from the idolization of childhood to the sharp-edged self-discovery of adolescence. Set in Antigua, the story follows Annie as she navigates the shift from being her mother's shadow to becoming her own person, dealing with the grief of lost intimacy and the physical changes of puberty. It is a profound choice for parents of teenagers who are struggling with the 'push and pull' of growing up. This novel provides a mirror for the intense, fluctuating emotions of the teen years, normalizing the sadness and anger that can accompany the search for identity. It is best suited for mature readers aged 14 and up due to its sophisticated themes of depression and burgeoning sexuality.