The Summer of Lost Letters

Reach for this book when your teenager is feeling disconnected from their family history or is starting to ask deeper questions about who their ancestors were beyond the stories told at holiday dinners. This story follows Abby Schoenberg as she travels to Nantucket to uncover the truth behind a stack of mysterious letters found in her grandmother's belongings. It is a sophisticated coming of age story that balances the excitement of a summer romance with the weight of uncovering long-buried secrets from the Holocaust era. Parents will appreciate how the book handles complex emotional themes like Jewish identity, the lasting impact of historical trauma, and the ethics of digging into the private lives of those we love. While it features a sweet and engaging romance, the heart of the book lies in Abby's quest for truth and her developing self-confidence. It is an excellent choice for 14 to 18 year olds who enjoy historical mysteries and are ready for a story that treats their intellectual and emotional curiosity with respect.