Razorhurst

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is exploring complex themes of systemic injustice, survival in harsh environments, or the resilience required to overcome a difficult upbringing. Set in the gritty underworld of 1930s Sydney, the story follows two girls from very different backgrounds who are united by their ability to see ghosts and their need to escape violent gang leaders. It tackles heavy emotional themes like grief, loyalty, and the loss of innocence with a raw, unflinching honesty. While the setting is historical, the emotional stakes of finding agency in a world that seeks to exploit you are deeply relevant for mature teens. It is a powerful choice for readers aged 14 and up who are ready for a realistic, albeit supernatural, look at historical poverty and crime.