Memory Boy

Reach for this book when your middle schooler is grappling with climate anxiety or questioning how they would handle a sudden loss of stability. Memory Boy offers a grounded, thoughtful approach to the dystopian genre by focusing on family dynamics and the practical value of intergenerational wisdom. As sixteen-year-old Miles Newell and his family flee a polluted, ash-covered Minneapolis for the safety of the wilderness, the story emphasizes ingenuity over violence. While many survival stories focus on combat, this narrative highlights Miles's ability to repurpose old technology and use historical knowledge shared by an elderly mentor. It is an ideal choice for parents who want to discuss disaster preparedness and resilience without the excessive grit or hopelessness found in older YA titles. The emotional weight centers on the stress of displacement, but the resolution is deeply empowering for young readers finding their own voice.