I Was a Teenage Fairy

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is grappling with the aftermath of exploitation, boundary violations, or the heavy burden of keeping dark secrets. It addresses the emotional fallout of childhood sexual abuse and the pressures of being objectified through the lens of a gritty Los Angeles landscape. This story follows Barbie, a young model, as she uses the presence of a sharp-tongued fairy named Mab to process her trauma and reclaim her agency. It is a deeply poetic, surrealist exploration of resilience and healing, suitable for mature teens who need to see that their scars do not define their future. Parents may choose it for its unique ability to combine harsh realities with a sense of protective, internal magic.