Small-town Girl

A parent might reach for this book when their teen feels adrift, lonely, or that their own life is too ordinary to be interesting. "Small-town Girl" follows Collie Dutton's adolescence in the 1960s, a quiet and introspective journey of figuring out who she is, what she believes, and how friendships and first love shape her identity. This character-driven novel is perfect for ages 13-17, especially for thoughtful readers who prefer emotional depth over high-stakes action. It beautifully normalizes the confusing, internal, and often quiet experience of growing up, providing comfort and validation for the universal search for self.