Crank Palace

Reach for this book when your teen is grappling with a difficult goodbye or a situation where they feel like they are losing themselves to a circumstance beyond their control. Set in the world of The Maze Runner, this story follows Newt as he leaves his friends to face a terminal illness in isolation. It is a raw exploration of dignity, the fear of becoming a burden, and the enduring power of friendship even when a physical presence is no longer possible. While the setting is dystopian and science fiction, the emotional core is deeply grounded in the reality of terminal illness and the psychological weight of isolation. Parents should be aware that the book contains mature themes regarding mental deterioration and death, making it best suited for older teens who are ready for a realistic, albeit metaphorical, look at mortality and legacy.