Sugar Town Queens

Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with questions of belonging, particularly within the context of a mixed-race heritage or a family history shrouded in silence. It is an essential choice for young readers who are beginning to notice the sharp edges of systemic inequality and want to see a protagonist who navigates poverty and prejudice with profound dignity and fierce loyalty. Set in a South African township, the story follows fifteen-year-old Amandla as she cares for her mother, whose mental health is declining, and searches for the truth about her white mother's wealthy past. While the setting is specific, the emotional themes of protecting one's family and finding strength in female friendships are universal. It is a sophisticated, realistic mystery for ages 12 and up that honors the resilience of the human spirit.