February

A parent should reach for this book when their teenager is starting to question the fairness of social hierarchies or is struggling with the pressure to conform to a group. It is an essential choice for discussing how quickly civil behavior can break down without empathy and accountability. The story follows a group of schoolboys stranded on a desert island who, in the absence of adults, split into two factions: one focused on order and rescue, and another that descends into primal aggression and tribalism. While the book is a literary classic, it is emotionally heavy and contains scenes of intense peer-driven violence. It serves as a powerful mirror for the modern school experience, helping teens recognize the dangers of 'mob mentality' and the courage required to stand up for one's principles. Use this book to open a dialogue about leadership, the necessity of rules, and what it means to be truly civilized when no one is watching.