Take a Sad Song

Reach for this book if your teen feels misunderstood by authority or is navigating a period of intense family conflict where they feel their voice is being silenced. Set in 1970, this verse novel follows Jane, whose mother labels her a runaway after a single night out, leading to her placement in a restrictive girls' reformatory. It is a raw exploration of systemic unfairness and the search for belonging in a harsh environment. While the setting is historical, the emotional themes of justice, female friendship, and resilience are deeply relevant for today's high schoolers. Parents might choose this title to open a dialogue about the consequences of strict discipline and the importance of finding supportive communities even in the most difficult circumstances. It is a realistic, hopeful look at survival through the eyes of a young woman reclaiming her narrative.