Highly Illogical Behavior

Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling with intense social anxiety, agoraphobia, or the feeling that they must be 'fixed' to be worthy of friendship. The story follows Solomon, a sixteen year old who has not left his house in three years, and Lisa, an ambitious peer who decides to 'cure' him as a way to guarantee her admission into a top psychology program. It is a nuanced look at the ethics of friendship, the reality of living with mental illness, and the importance of personal agency. Parents will appreciate how the book balances heavy themes with a witty, geeky charm. It avoids easy clichés about mental health, instead focusing on the messy boundaries of teenage relationships. While it deals with panic attacks and the pressure to conform, it ultimately celebrates the idea that while we all need support, no one is a project to be solved. It is a vital read for fostering empathy and discussing the difference between helping someone and manipulating them.