Being Henry David

Reach for this book if your teenager is struggling with their identity or feeling disconnected from their past and their purpose. It is a powerful choice for adolescents who feel like outsiders or those grappling with deep-seated guilt and the need for a fresh start. The story follows a seventeen-year-old boy who wakes up in Penn Station with no memory of his name or life, carrying only a copy of Walden by Henry David Thoreau. He adopts the name 'Hank' and retreats to the woods of Concord, Massachusetts, to find himself through nature and Thoreau's philosophy. This novel tackles heavy themes of trauma, amnesia, and self-discovery with a realistic and grounded approach. It is best suited for readers aged 12 and up due to its mature exploration of survival, homelessness, and the emotional weight of uncovering a painful personal history. Parents will appreciate how the book uses classical literature as a tool for healing, encouraging teens to look inward and find strength in their own resilience while navigating the difficult transition into adulthood.