Breathe and Count Back from Ten

Reach for this book when your teenager is feeling restricted by their physical limitations or struggling to assert their autonomy within a protective family. It is an essential read for young people navigating chronic health conditions or disabilities, offering a mirror for their frustrations and a roadmap for self advocacy. The story follows Veronica, a Peruvian American teen with hip dysplasia who dreams of auditioning to be a mermaid at a local theme park. Through her journey, the book explores the complex intersection of cultural identity, the realities of living with a visible disability, and the universal desire for independence. It is a poignant, realistic look at the courage it takes to claim one's own body and future. While it touches on medical trauma and family conflict, the tone remains deeply empowering for readers aged 12 and up.