Handmaid's Tale

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager begins asking complex questions about bodily autonomy, the historical roots of gender inequality, or the fragility of democratic systems. This dystopian novel follows Offred, a woman forced into the role of a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead, where she is stripped of her name and rights for the purpose of reproduction. While the setting is speculative, the emotional themes of isolation, quiet resistance, and the preservation of one's inner identity are deeply resonant. It is most appropriate for older teens (ages 16-18) who are ready to engage with mature content regarding systemic oppression. Parents might choose it to foster critical thinking about social justice and the importance of civic engagement.