Saving Francesca

This powerful young adult novel follows sixteen-year-old Francesca as she grapples with two major life changes: her mother's sudden and severe depression, and her enrollment in a previously all-boys Catholic school that has just turned co-ed. The story sensitively explores the impact of mental illness on a family, particularly through Francesca's perspective as she tries to understand and support her mother while also navigating the complexities of adolescence, new friendships, and confronting sexism in her school environment. It's a poignant and realistic portrayal of resilience, family love, and finding your voice amidst challenging circumstances, set in Sydney, Australia.

Sixteen-year-old Francesca could use her outspoken mother's help with the problems of being one of a handful of girls at a parochial school that has just turned co-ed, but her mother has suddenly become severely depressed.