Cleopatra's Moon

Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling with a sudden loss of status, a major move, or the feeling of being an outsider in a community that doesn't value their heritage. This historical novel follows Cleopatra Selene II, the daughter of the famous Cleopatra VII, after the fall of Egypt. Taken to Rome as a prisoner of war, Selene must navigate a hostile imperial court while grieving her parents and protecting her brothers. The story explores profound themes of resilience, cultural identity, and the quiet power of intellectual resistance. It is a sophisticated look at how a young person can maintain their integrity and sense of self even when they have lost everything. While it contains the political intrigue and romance typical of young adult historical fiction, its true value lies in the protagonist's emotional journey from a traumatized refugee to a self-assured queen. It is an excellent choice for readers who feel defined by their past and are looking for a way to claim their future.