Dooley Takes the Fall

Reach for this book when your teenager feels like they have been unfairly labeled or when they are struggling to outrun a past mistake. It speaks directly to the frustration of being judged by your history rather than your present actions. The story follows Dooley, a teen with a criminal record who becomes the prime suspect when a wealthy classmate falls from a cliff. It explores deep themes of systemic bias, the fragility of trust, and the resilience required to stand up for the truth when no one believes you. While it is a high-stakes mystery, the core value lies in its realistic depiction of a young person fighting for their reputation. It is ideal for ages 12 to 17, offering a gritty but grounded look at justice and personal accountability that can help parents open dialogues about second chances and the importance of integrity under pressure.