Eyes Open

Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with questions of systemic unfairness, or when they are facing a sudden shift in family stability that requires them to grow up quickly. Set in 1960s Portugal under the Salazar dictatorship, the story follows Sónia, a teen poet whose comfortable life vanishes after her boyfriend's arrest and her family's financial ruin. It explores deep themes of resilience, the power of words, and the transition from a sheltered life to one of social consciousness. This verse novel is appropriate for mature middle schoolers and high school students, offering a sophisticated look at how personal integrity is tested during political and economic upheaval. It serves as an excellent bridge for discussing how art and courage can coexist with hardship.