No Condition is Permanent

Reach for this book when your teen is grappling with the difficult realization that being a good friend might mean speaking up against a tradition or practice they find harmful. It is an essential choice for families navigating cross-cultural moves or for teenagers who are beginning to question the 'status quo' of the world around them. The story follows Jodie, an American girl living in Sierra Leone, who forms a deep bond with a local girl named Khadi. As they navigate the joys of a shared girlhood, they eventually hit a wall when faced with a traditional initiation rite that Jodie cannot reconcile with her own values. This is a powerful exploration of the limits of cultural relativism and the weight of personal integrity. It handles sensitive topics with immense respect and honesty, making it suitable for mature middle schoolers and high schoolers who are ready to discuss complex global issues and the ethics of intervention.