Lies I Told

A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is starting to pull away from the family unit or questioning the moral compass of the adults in their life. It is a sophisticated psychological thriller that speaks to the moment a child realizes their parents are fallible people with their own secrets. The story follows Grace, a girl who has spent her life moving from city to city as part of a family of high-stakes con artists. When she falls for a boy in their latest target city, she is forced to choose between the only life she has ever known and the person she wants to become. The book explores heavy themes of honesty, integrity, and the difficulty of breaking free from toxic family cycles. While it features the high-stakes tension of a heist novel, the core of the story is deeply emotional and relatable for any teen navigating the transition to independence. It is most appropriate for high schoolers due to the complexity of the moral dilemmas and the romantic subplots. Parents will appreciate how it prompts discussions about what we owe our families versus what we owe ourselves.