Guantanamo Boy

Reach for this book when your teenager begins questioning the complexities of global justice, the ethics of war, or the impact of systemic profiling on innocent individuals. This powerful novel follows Khalid, a normal fifteen year old boy whose life is upended during a family trip to Pakistan. After being abducted and wrongly accused of terrorism, he is transported to Guantanamo Bay, where he must endure physical and psychological trials to maintain his sanity and identity. It is a demanding read that explores themes of resilience, faith, and the fragility of human rights in a post 9/11 world. Parents should choose this for mature teens as a catalyst for deep discussions about empathy, international law, and the strength of the human spirit under extreme duress. It provides a sobering look at a dark chapter of contemporary history through the eyes of a relatable peer.