Learning to Swear in America

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager feels isolated by their own intelligence or is struggling to fit into a new cultural environment. It is particularly resonant for the gifted child who feels like an 'alien' among their peers or the student who carries a heavy burden of expectation and stress. While the plot involves a high-stakes mission to save Earth from an asteroid, the heart of the story explores the loneliness of brilliance and the transformative power of finding one's tribe. This novel follows Yuri, a seventeen-year-old Russian physics prodigy, as he navigates the complex social hierarchies of America while working with NASA. The book balances smart, scientific concepts with humor and authentic teenage vulnerability. It is age-appropriate for middle and high schoolers, offering a hopeful look at how opening oneself up to others can be just as life-saving as complex mathematics. Parents will appreciate the way it validates the 'outsider' experience while encouraging emotional growth.