Orchards

Reach for this book when your teen is grappling with the heavy weight of social responsibility, peer pressure, or the lingering guilt that follows a tragedy in their school community. It is a profound resource for those who weren't the 'bullies' but feel they didn't do enough to help a struggling peer. Through the story of Kana, a Japanese-American teen sent to her family's mikan orange farm in Japan after a classmate's suicide, the story explores the nuance of complicity and the slow path toward self-forgiveness. Written in beautiful free verse, the novel provides a safe emotional distance for teens to process complex grief and shame. It is developmentally appropriate for ages 12 and up, offering a realistic look at how heritage and manual labor can provide a grounding space for healing. Parents might choose this book to help a child understand that while they cannot change the past, they can grow into a more empathetic and courageous version of themselves.