Summers at Castle Auburn

Reach for this book when your teenager is beginning to question the 'perfect' structures of authority, popularity, or societal status they once admired. It is an ideal choice for a young person navigating the disillusionment that often accompanies the transition from childhood fantasy to adult reality. The story follows Coriel, a girl who splits her time between a rustic village and a glittering royal castle, only to realize that the fairy tale life of the nobility is built upon the systemic oppression of a magical race called the Alais. As Coriel matures, she must choose between the comfort of her social standing and the difficult path of personal integrity. It is a sophisticated, romantic, and deeply ethical story that validates the teen experience of seeing the world's flaws for the first time. The book is appropriate for high schoolers, offering a nuanced look at class, consent, and the courage required to stand against the status quo.