The Black Witch (The Black Witch Chronicles, #1)

Reach for this book when your teenager is beginning to question the biases of their upbringing or is struggling with the pressure of a family legacy. It is a powerful tool for discussing how systemic prejudice is maintained and how one finds the courage to unlearn inherited hate. Elloren Gardner enters university as the powerless granddaughter of a legendary war hero, only to discover that the history she was taught is a lie. While set in a rich fantasy world, the core of the story is about the painful but necessary process of deconstructing one's worldview. It explores themes of social justice, the ethics of power, and the importance of empathy for those labeled as others. Due to intense themes of discrimination and some fantasy violence, it is best suited for mature teens aged 14 and up who are ready to engage with complex social allegories.