The Ask and the Answer

A parent should reach for this book when their teen is questioning authority and grappling with the idea that the world is not black and white. The second book in the Chaos Walking trilogy, it picks up immediately after the first, with protagonists Todd and Viola captured by the tyrannical Mayor Prentiss. Separated, Todd is forced into complicity with the new oppressive regime, while Viola joins a violent resistance movement. This intense sci-fi novel explores profound themes of moral ambiguity, terrorism, justice, and resilience, making it suitable for mature teens (15+). It’s a powerful, challenging read that will spark critical conversations about how good people can be pushed to do terrible things in the name of a cause.