Blameless

Reach for this book when your teenager is navigating a sudden loss of social status or feeling unfairly judged by their peers. It is a sophisticated, witty adventure that addresses the pain of being cast out and the resilience required to clear one's name when the world turns its back. Alexia Tarabotti, a soul-less woman in a Victorian London filled with vampires and werewolves, finds herself scandalous and alone after a misunderstanding. She must travel to Italy to uncover the truth of her identity while maintaining her dignity and humor. Parents will appreciate the strong-willed protagonist and the emphasis on self-reliance. While it contains some mature romantic tension and action violence, it remains a smart, vocabulary-rich choice for high schoolers who enjoy historical settings with a fantastical twist.