Compromised

Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with the fallout of family secrets or the crushing weight of a parent's legal and moral failures. It is an essential choice for teens who feel they must carry the burden of their family's reputation alone or for those who are facing the terrifying prospect of the foster care system. The story follows fifteen-year-old Mary as she flees her home in Reno to avoid state custody, embarking on a desperate journey to find an aunt she has never met. Through Mary's eyes, the novel explores deep themes of shame, the necessity of resilience, and the definition of home. It provides a raw and realistic look at how a child navigates a world that has failed them. Parents might choose this book to open a dialogue about accountability, the complexity of loving a flawed parent, and the strength it takes to seek out a new beginning when the old life has crumbled. It is most appropriate for high schoolers due to its heavy themes and realistic portrayal of a teen in crisis.