Be Careful What You Joust For

Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling with the weight of inherited expectations or feels trapped by a rigid family role. It is an ideal choice for the child who feels like the odd one out in their household, whether that is the second-born sibling who wants the spotlight or the daughter who desires a life beyond traditional societal matches. The story provides a safe space to explore the tension between loyalty to one's family and the pursuit of individual identity. Set in the kingdom of Pentavia, the narrative follows the Hornbolt siblings as they navigate a high-stakes tournament that threatens to upend their lives. While the backdrop is a classic fantasy world of knights and jousting, the core of the book is deeply psychological, focusing on the internal lives of young people deciding which traditions to uphold and which to break. It is a sophisticated read for older middle grade and high school students who enjoy complex political intrigue and character-driven adventure.