Jazmin's Notebook

Reach for this book when your teenager is navigating family instability, parental absence, or the feeling of being an outsider in their own neighborhood. Jazmin's Notebook is a lyrical and deeply moving portrait of a young girl in 1960s Harlem who uses poetry to make sense of a world that often feels precarious. It provides a mirror for children dealing with parents who are physically or emotionally unavailable due to mental illness and addiction. Through Jazmin's eyes, readers see how creativity can be a lifeline. The story explores themes of resilience, sisterly bonds, and the power of internal identity when external circumstances are tough. It is written in a beautiful verse and prose hybrid that is sophisticated enough for older teens but accessible enough for middle schoolers. This is a choice for parents who want to honor their child's complex emotions and show them that their voice and their story have immense value.