Ten Mile River

Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with questions of loyalty, the feeling of being an outsider, or the weight of a difficult past. It is an essential choice for readers who feel the world is stacked against them and need to see that their resilience is a superpower. The story follows Ray and Jose, two best friends living on their own in the abandoned sections of New York City, as they navigate the thin line between survival and crime. It explores the profound emotional themes of brotherhood and the search for a place to call home. While the setting is gritty and realistic, the heart of the book is about the lengths we go to for the people we love. It is appropriate for mature middle schoolers and high school students who are ready for a raw, honest look at life on the margins and the hope that can be found even in the harshest environments.