Deadly Unna?

Reach for this book when your teenager begins to notice systemic unfairness or social divisions in their own community and needs a mirror for those complicated feelings. Set in a small coastal town in Australia, the story follows fourteen-year-old Gary 'Blacky' Black as he navigates the high-pressure world of local football and his large, often chaotic family. While the town seems simple on the surface, Gary begins to see the deep-seated racial prejudice directed toward the local Indigenous community, specifically through his friendship with Dumby Red. This is a powerful choice for parents who want to foster empathy and integrity in their teens. It explores the difficult transition from being a bystander to becoming an ally, emphasizing that standing up for what is right often comes with a personal cost. Due to some strong language and honest depictions of racism, it is best suited for mature readers aged 13 and up.