The Boyfriend

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is struggling with the overwhelming, darker side of a first breakup, particularly feelings of intense resentment or the urge to lash out. While framed as a supernatural thriller, it addresses the very real experience of romantic rejection and the messy transition from anger to guilt. Joanna, a popular girl who dumps her boyfriend with cruel indifference, finds herself haunted when he supposedly returns from the grave. This classic R.L. Stine horror novel serves as an accessible entry point for discussing accountability and the long-term consequences of how we treat others during emotional conflicts. It is most appropriate for middle and high schoolers who enjoy high-stakes drama and spooky stories.