Out of Shadows

Reach for this book when your teenager is beginning to grapple with the complex realities of systemic racism, peer pressure, and the personal cost of standing up for what is right. It is an essential read for students entering new environments where they must navigate intense social hierarchies and moral dilemmas. Set in a 1980s Zimbabwean boarding school shortly after the end of white minority rule, the story follows Robert Jacklin as he struggles to fit in with a group of racist bullies. This is a visceral and often painful exploration of complicity, shame, and the slow process of finding one's moral compass. Parents should be aware that the book contains intense depictions of bullying and period-accurate racial slurs, making it best suited for mature teens. It serves as a powerful catalyst for discussions about how historical context shapes personal prejudice and the courage required to break away from the crowd.