City of Saints & Thieves

Reach for this book when your teenager is processing a heavy loss and expresses a desire for agency or justice in an unfair world. It is a powerful choice for older teens who feel misunderstood or are struggling with the complexities of their cultural identity and socioeconomic status. The story follows Tina, a young woman living on the streets of Sangui, Kenya, as she seeks revenge for her mother's murder. As she infiltrates the home of the wealthy man she believes is responsible, she uncovers a web of secrets that forces her to confront her own past. The book deals with intense themes of grief, systemic corruption, and the moral ambiguity of survival. It is best suited for mature readers aged 14 and up due to its gritty atmosphere and descriptions of trauma. Parents might choose this title to bridge conversations about global perspectives, the cycle of poverty, and how to find a path forward when the world feels stacked against you.