Riot

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is grappling with a multiracial identity or asking difficult questions about how social crises can turn neighbors against one another. It is an essential choice for families looking to explore the intersection of race, class, and history through a lens that feels immediate and cinematic. Set during the 1863 New York City draft riots, the story follows fifteen-year-old Claire, who is caught between her Irish and African American heritage as the city descends into chaos. The book explores themes of belonging, the fragility of social order, and the courage required to stand for justice when the world feels like it is burning. Written as a screenplay, it is fast-paced and accessible for reluctant readers, though parents should note it contains realistic depictions of historical racial violence and period-typical prejudice.