On Viney's Mountain

Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling to balance a fierce pride in their family roots with the confusing, pull-of-the-heart desire for someone who represents change. It is a beautiful choice for the young person who feels protective of their heritage but is starting to realize that opening up to new perspectives doesn't mean betraying where they come from. Set in 1880s Tennessee, the story follows Viney, a talented weaver who is initially hostile toward the English settlers arriving in her Appalachian home. As she navigates her growing attraction to a young man from this outside world, she must reconcile her independent spirit with her changing community. It is a gentle, historical romance that emphasizes craftsmanship, self-worth, and the courage it takes to change one's mind without losing one's identity. It is highly appropriate for teens seeking a grounded, wholesome story about first love and cultural friction.