Paper Valentine

Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling with the silent, lingering weight of grief or feels like an outsider in their own social circle. While it wears the skin of a supernatural mystery, it is primarily a raw exploration of how teenagers process the death of a friend and the complex, messy reality of moving on when the world expects you to be 'normal.' Set against the backdrop of a sweltering summer and a local string of murders, the story follows Hannah as she navigates the literal ghost of her best friend and her growing attraction to a boy labeled as dangerous. It is a secular, atmospheric read that validates the intensity of teenage emotions and the difficulty of finding your voice when you feel invisible. Parents should note it contains themes of loss, murder, and mild horror, making it best suited for mature readers aged 14 and up who appreciate dark, lyrical storytelling.