Be Not Far From Me

Reach for this book when your teenager is feeling overwhelmed by life's pressures or needs a visceral reminder of their own capacity for resilience. Ashley is a tough, low income girl who finds herself lost and severely injured in the Appalachian wilderness after a party goes wrong. This is not a gentle story; it is a raw, gritty exploration of what happens when a person is stripped of everything but their will to live. It speaks directly to themes of self reliance, the grit required to overcome physical trauma, and the messy process of healing. Due to its graphic descriptions of injury and survival, it is best suited for mature teens aged 14 and up who appreciate realistic, high stakes storytelling. Parents will appreciate how it validates anger and frustration while showing the incredible power of the human spirit to endure against all odds.