Shallow Graves

A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is struggling with a profound sense of isolation, feeling like an outsider in their own life, or navigating the aftermath of a significant trauma. It speaks to the experience of feeling fundamentally changed by events outside of one's control and the difficult journey of reclaiming a sense of self when the old version of you no longer exists. Shallow Graves follows Breezy, a high school senior who is murdered and then inexplicably wakes up as a revenant. As she navigates a world of monsters and myth, she must decide if she is still the girl she once was or something entirely different. While the supernatural elements provide a thrilling dark fantasy backdrop, the emotional core focuses on grief, the search for belonging, and the autonomy of one's own body. Parents of older teens will find this a powerful tool for discussing identity and resilience, though they should be aware of the mature themes and visceral descriptions inherent in the horror genre.