My Life Next Door

Reach for this book when your teen is beginning to navigate the complexities of first love while simultaneously questioning their family's rigid expectations. It is perfect for the adolescent who feels like an outsider in their own home or who is starting to realize that their parents are flawed, complex individuals. Samantha Reed has spent her life following her mother's strict rules, but when she falls for the boy next door from a messy, low income family, her world expands in ways she never expected. The story addresses the heavy emotional weight of integrity versus loyalty. While it features a sweet and healthy romance, it also tackles a serious ethical crisis involving a hit and run accident. It is best suited for older teens due to some mature themes and sexual content, offering a realistic look at the courage it takes to stand up for the truth when the stakes are personal.