New Guard

A parent should reach for this book when their teenager is navigating the messy transition to adulthood and needs to see that even the most capable people must deal with the consequences of their choices. This final installment of the CHERUB series follows young secret agents on a high-stakes mission to rescue kidnapped oil tankers in South Sudan, but the real story lies in the emotional weight of moving on. It addresses themes of intense loyalty, the bittersweet nature of saying goodbye to childhood, and the realization that independence comes with heavy responsibilities. While the action is cinematic and fast-paced, the book serves as an excellent vehicle for discussing ethics and personal growth. It is most appropriate for mature readers aged 12 and up due to its gritty realism, occasional strong language, and depiction of complex geopolitical conflicts. Parents will appreciate how it treats teenage characters with agency and respect, showing them as individuals capable of making world-altering decisions while still grappling with the same social and emotional pressures as any other teen.