She Who Became the Sun

A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is struggling with the weight of expectations or feels trapped by a predetermined identity. It is a powerful choice for older teens who are ready to explore the complex intersection of gender, ambition, and the sheer will to survive in a world that offers them no place. Set in 14th-century China, the story follows a girl who assumes her brother's identity and fate to escape death, eventually rising through the ranks of a rebellion. While it contains intense historical violence and mature themes of moral ambiguity, it offers a profound look at self-determination and resilience. Parents should choose this for mature readers who enjoy epic historical fantasy and are beginning to question how much of their 'destiny' is within their own control.