Hysteria

A parent might reach for this book when their teen feels dismissed or disbelieved, especially regarding their own health or intense anxieties. Hysteria follows Meg, a high schooler who moves to modern-day Salem, Massachusetts, after a mysterious pandemic leaves her with a seizure-like condition. When she starts seeing ghosts connected to the town's dark past, she must figure out if her visions are real or if she's, as everyone claims, just hysterical. This supernatural thriller is a powerful metaphor for trusting your own perception in the face of doubt. It's a great choice for older teens (14+) who enjoy suspense and want to explore themes of resilience, self-confidence, and the historical dismissal of young women's experiences.