Motown and Didi

Reach for this book when your teenager is beginning to grapple with the complexities of urban life, the weight of family loyalty, or the realization that they must forge their own path toward safety. This powerful novel follows Motown and Didi, two resilient teens living in Harlem who find an unexpected anchor in each other while navigating a neighborhood under the shadow of a drug epidemic. It is a story about finding love and agency in a world that often feels indifferent to your survival. Parents might choose this title to open a dialogue about systemic challenges and the importance of personal integrity. It is best suited for mature middle schoolers and high schoolers due to its gritty realism and depiction of substance abuse within a family context.