Dogman

A parent might reach for this book when their older teen is ready for a stark, psychologically intense thriller that explores the complexities of trust and survival in a dangerous world. This is not a light read. The story follows Allison Mayweather and her daughter who, after being kidnapped, face an impossible choice: stay with their captors or trust a mysterious, detached stranger offering an escape. The narrative is a gritty, high-stakes journey through a desolate city, focusing on themes of fear, moral ambiguity, and the slow rekindling of empathy. Due to its mature themes and intense, threatening situations, this book is strictly for older teens (16 and up) who appreciate dark, realistic fiction.