Road Tripped

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is withdrawing after a significant loss, particularly the death of a parent or a difficult breakup. It is designed for the child who is 'ghosting' their own life and needs to see a reflection of their own numbness and anger validated without being lectured. The story follows Stiggy, a teen who hits the road in his late father's car to escape the suffocating silence of his home life. As he travels through the Midwest, the narrative explores the messy reality of grief, the search for a self-defined identity, and the slow process of letting go of the past. It is a raw, secular, and deeply honest look at the transition from childhood to adulthood under the weight of tragedy. Parents will find it a valuable tool for opening doors to conversations about mental health, male vulnerability, and the fact that healing isn't a straight line. It is most appropriate for high schoolers due to its heavy themes and realistic tone.