Liar

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is navigating a crisis of identity, or when they suspect their child is using fabrication as a defense mechanism to cope with social pressure and trauma. It is an ideal choice for the student who feels like an outsider and struggles to differentiate their true self from the persona they present to the world. The story follows Micah, a teenager who admits from the first page that she is a compulsive liar. When her classmate is murdered, Micah attempts to tell the truth, but her narrative is a shifting maze of family secrets, potential supernatural elements, and self-delusion. This is an intense, sophisticated thriller that explores the heavy emotional themes of shame, the desire for belonging, and the messy process of constructing an adult identity. It is best suited for older teens due to its complex structure and mature themes regarding violence and grief. Parents will appreciate how it facilitates deep conversations about the consequences of dishonesty and the bravery required to be authentic.