Girl in Blue

Reach for this book when your teenager is feeling trapped by societal expectations or is struggling to find the courage to assert their independence. It is an ideal choice for a young person who values justice and is looking for a story about the grit required to forge one's own path despite a lack of support from family. The story follows Sarah Louise Brannon, a girl who escapes an arranged marriage to a cruel older man by disguising herself as a boy and enlisting in the Union Army during the Civil War. Beyond the military adventure, it is a deep exploration of identity, the moral complexities of war, and the resilience needed to survive in a world that refuses to see your true worth. While it contains historical depictions of battle and the harsh realities of the 1860s, it serves as a powerful catalyst for discussions about gender roles, integrity, and the personal cost of freedom.