Love Is for Losers

Reach for this book when your teenager is projecting a shield of cynicism or 'too cool for love' energy to mask deeper vulnerabilities or grief. Phoebe is a sharp-witted, hilarious, and fiercely skeptical Londoner who has decided that romance is a scam, but her summer volunteering at a thrift shop challenges her defenses. The story explores the complexities of female friendship, the quiet ache of losing a grandparent, and the unexpected spark of a first queer crush. It is a brilliant choice for parents of older teens (14+) who appreciate black comedy and need a story that validates their messy, complicated, and often contradictory feelings about growing up. While the tone is irreverent, the heart of the book is a tender exploration of self-discovery and the courage it takes to be vulnerable.