The Storyteller

Reach for this book when your teenager is beginning to ask deeper questions about their heritage or searching for their place within a complex family narrative. It is perfect for the adolescent who feels like an outsider and hopes that uncovering a family secret might explain their own sense of being different. The story follows seventeen year old Jess as she discovers the diaries of her Russian emigre aunt, leading her on a quest to discover if she is related to the lost Romanov royalty. Through a dual narrative that bridges the present day with the 1910s, the book explores themes of identity, the weight of legacy, and the way stories define us. It is highly appropriate for ages 12 and up, offering a sophisticated but accessible blend of historical mystery and contemporary self discovery. Parents will appreciate how it encourages teens to engage with their elders and value the oral and written histories of their own families.