Toffee

Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with questions of identity, the feeling of not belonging at home, or the need to understand how two strangers can find common ground through shared pain. This verse novel follows Allison, a runaway fleeing an abusive father, who finds unexpected sanctuary in the home of Marla, an elderly woman living with dementia. Marla mistakes Allison for an old friend named Toffee, and Allison adopts the persona to survive. While the premise involves heavy themes of domestic abuse and cognitive decline, the story is ultimately a profound exploration of empathy and the families we choose. Written in sparse, evocative free verse, it provides a safe space for older teens to process complex emotions regarding family loyalty and self-worth. It is a sophisticated, realistic read that validates the experience of feeling invisible while offering a path toward healing and independence.