Darkhenge

Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling with the emotional paralysis of a family health crisis or the specific grief of a sibling in a coma. Rob is an artist who feels invisible and angry while his sister, Chloe, remains in a vegetative state following an accident. When Rob takes a summer job at an archaeological dig, he discovers a literal underworld that mirrors his own psychological turmoil. The story uses Celtic mythology and the concept of a 'dark' Stonehenge to explore the liminal space between life and death. It is a sophisticated, atmospheric choice for ages 12 and up that validates the complex feelings of resentment, guilt, and hopelessness that often accompany long-term family trauma. By blending a high-stakes fantasy quest with raw domestic reality, it provides a safe, metaphorical bridge for teens to process their own heavy emotions.