Great and Terrible Beauty, A

Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling with the restrictive expectations of others or feels isolated by a heavy secret or recent loss. It is an evocative blend of Victorian history and dark fantasy that follows Gemma Doyle as she navigates a rigid British boarding school while discovering a dangerous, magical inheritance. The story delves into the complexities of female friendship, the desire for agency in a world that demands silence, and the heavy burden of guilt following a parent's death. While it features supernatural elements, it is grounded in the very real emotional turbulence of adolescence, making it an excellent choice for mature readers who appreciate atmosphere and psychological depth. It provides a safe space to explore the dark side of power and the importance of finding one's own voice amidst grief.