Sonny's House of Spies

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager begins to notice that the adults in their lives are flawed, secretive, or living with unaddressed history. It is a vital tool for families navigating the transition from childhood innocence to the complex reality of adult motivations. Set in 1950s Alabama, the story follows Sonny as he plays 'spy' to uncover why his father disappeared and what his mother is hiding. Through Sonny's eyes, the book explores themes of racial injustice, family shame, and the weight of secrets. It is ideal for ages 12 to 16 as it mirrors the adolescent journey of deconstructing one's upbringing to find personal truth. Parents will value how it models the courage needed to ask hard questions, even when the answers change everything you thought you knew about your community and your past.