A Stir of Bones

Reach for this book when your teenager is feeling stifled by high expectations or a rigid home life and needs to see a character find strength through unconventional means. While it presents as a supernatural thriller, it is deeply rooted in the reality of emotional and physical abuse. Susan is a high achiever with a terrifyingly controlling father, and her journey into a local haunted house is less about thrill-seeking and more about finding a space where she finally has agency. This story explores how secrets and true friendship can act as a lifeline in dark times. It is appropriate for older teens who can handle mature themes of domestic violence and suicidal ideation, offering a cathartic look at breaking free from toxic cycles and finding one's own voice. Parents can use this to discuss the importance of support systems and the courage it takes to ask for help.