Sprout

Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with the isolating weight of grief or the anxiety of entering a community where they feel like an outsider. Sprout follows a teenage boy who, after losing his mother, moves from the fast-paced environment of Long Island to a small town in Kansas. As he navigates his grief, he begins to uncover layers of his own identity, including his sexuality and his place in a landscape that feels alien yet strangely welcoming. The story focuses on the quiet, transformative power of new friendships and the courage it takes to grow in unfamiliar soil. While it deals with significant loss, it is ultimately a story of resilience and self-discovery. It is most appropriate for high schoolers who are ready for a nuanced, realistic exploration of identity, family dynamics, and the complexities of young love in the wake of tragedy.