Slumdog Millionaire

Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with questions of systemic inequality, the concept of 'luck,' or the feeling that the world is stacked against them. This Scholastic adaptation of the famous novel and film follows Ram Mohammad Thomas, a young man from the slums of Mumbai, as he explains how a life of hardship provided the exact knowledge needed to win a massive television jackpot. It is a powerful exploration of resilience, the value of unconventional education, and the triumph of the human spirit over grinding poverty. While the story deals with heavy themes including homelessness and social injustice, it is ultimately an empowering narrative about dignity and agency. Parents will appreciate how it humanizes the global statistics of poverty and encourages empathy. It is particularly effective for reluctant readers or students looking for high-interest, fast-paced narratives that don't shy away from real-world complexities. It provides a window into Indian culture and the stark divides of urban life.