The Empire of Dreams

Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling with the pressure of high expectations or feels like they are an outsider in their own social circle. It is an ideal choice for the child who is working to define their own worth independent of their family name or past mistakes. The story follows Red, an orphan who was adopted by a royal family but feels like a misfit. When her future is threatened, she attempts to join the elite royal guard to prove her value. It masterfully explores themes of self-reliance, the weight of being an underrepresented person in spaces of power, and the grit required to overcome systemic bias. Parents will appreciate the way it models hard work and emotional resilience in the face of rejection, making it a sophisticated choice for maturing readers.