Baygirl

Reach for this book when your teen is struggling with the private shame of a parent's addiction or the disorientation of a family move. It provides a mirror for young people who feel they must act as the emotional anchors for their own parents while navigating their own identity. Through the eyes of Kit, a girl from a small Newfoundland fishing village moved to a new town, the story explores how poverty and alcoholism impact a household. While the subject matter is heavy, the book is appropriate for ages 12 and up due to its grounded, realistic approach. It emphasizes that while we cannot control a parent's choices, we can find strength in community, first love, and the wisdom of elders. A parent might choose this to open a dialogue about family secrets, resilience, and the importance of finding one's own voice amidst domestic chaos.