If You Find Me

A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is navigating the complex process of healing from childhood instability, neglect, or the discovery of a difficult family history. It is a profound choice for supporting a young person who feels out of place or is struggling to trust adults after being let down by those meant to protect them. The story follows fifteen year old Carey, who has lived in isolation in the woods with her mentally ill mother for a decade, as she is suddenly thrust into a world of suburban comforts and a father she never knew. It masterfully explores themes of resilience, sisterly bonds, and the slow, often painful journey of reclaiming ones identity after trauma. While the subject matter is intense, the book offers a powerful message of hope and the possibility of finding safety in the wake of a fractured past. It is best suited for mature readers aged fourteen and up due to its honest depiction of neglect and past abuse.