Gravity of Us, The

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is facing a major life upheaval, such as a cross-country move or a family crisis that feels out of their control. This contemporary young adult novel follows Cal, a social-media-savvy aspiring journalist who is uprooted to Houston when his father is selected for a NASA Mars mission. While the story centers on the high-stakes world of space exploration, its heart lies in navigating the pressure of public perception, maintaining personal integrity, and the beauty of first love. It is highly appropriate for older teens, offering a modern look at how young people find their own truth when their family's lives are being scripted by others. You might choose this if your teen feels like their own voice is being drowned out by family expectations or if they are looking for a sincere, realistic portrayal of a male-male romance.