Heroes: A Novel

Reach for this book when your teenager is beginning to question the black and white definitions of heroism, or when they are struggling with the invisible scars of guilt and the weight of public expectations. It is an essential read for older teens navigating the transition into adulthood who are ready to explore the darker, more nuanced realities of human nature and the heavy toll of war. Francis Cassavant returns from World War II hideously disfigured and intent on a dark mission: to kill the man who was once his idol. Through shifting timelines, the story explores the devastating impact of betrayal and the way trauma can alter one's identity. This is a profound, albeit somber, meditation on the difference between being a celebrated 'hero' and being a person of true integrity. Because of its intense themes of sexual assault and suicide, it is best suited for mature readers who are ready for a realistic, non-sugarcoated look at moral ambiguity.