Lucid

A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of choosing a life path or is struggling with a sense of dual identity. It speaks to the universal adolescent experience of wanting to escape into a different, perhaps more 'glamorous' reality, while grappling with the fear of losing one's true self in the process. Lucid follows two girls, Sloane and Maggie, who live completely different lives but dream as if they are each other. As their worlds begin to merge, they must confront what they truly value: stability and family or independence and ambition. The story is a thoughtful exploration of identity and mental health within a high school and young adult context. It is appropriate for readers aged 12 and up, offering a safe space to discuss the consequences of our choices and the importance of being present in our own lives.