Stay Gold

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is navigating the complexities of identity, privacy, and the fear of being truly known in a first romantic relationship. It speaks directly to the emotional labor of deciding when and how to disclose parts of one's self that carry the risk of judgment or rejection. While the story centers on a transgender boy named Pony and his budding romance with Georgia, a girl recovering from her own trust issues, the heart of the book is about the universal struggle for authenticity. Parents will appreciate the way it models the necessity of bravery in both self-advocacy and intimacy. This is a realistic high school narrative suitable for ages 14 and up, offering a roadmap for navigating social pressures while staying true to one's own identity.