Borrowed Light

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is grappling with a profound life-altering secret, specifically the isolation and fear surrounding an unplanned pregnancy. It speaks to the adolescent who feels disconnected from their family and is struggling to reclaim their sense of self amidst overwhelming guilt. The story follows sixteen-year-old Calliope, who finds herself pregnant and alone, unable to tell her parents while navigating the changing landscape of her friendships and her own changing body. It is a deeply internal, atmospheric look at the weight of responsibility and the search for light in dark times. This book is appropriate for ages 14 and up, offering a realistic, non-judgmental space for teens to process themes of bodily autonomy, family dynamics, and the courage required to ask for help. Parents might choose it to validate a child's feelings of anxiety or to bridge a gap in communication during a period of emotional withdrawal.