Lizard in a Zoot Suit

Reach for this book when your teen is grappling with the weight of systemic injustice or feeling like their identity is being unfairly judged by society. It is an ideal choice for a child who feels like an outsider or is beginning to ask deep questions about how history is recorded and who gets to be the hero in their own story. Set against the backdrop of the 1943 Zoot Suit Riots in Los Angeles, the story follows twin sisters Flaca and Cuata as they discover and protect a mysterious reptilian creature. While the sci-fi element adds an adventurous hook, the heart of the book explores Chicano pride, the bonds of sisterhood, and the courage required to stand up against corrupt authority figures. Parents will appreciate how it uses a graphic novel format to make complex historical trauma and racial tension accessible and engaging for readers aged 12 and up.