The Dead Girlfriend

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is struggling to move on from a past relationship or is grappling with the intense feelings of jealousy and guilt that often follow a messy breakup. While framed as a supernatural thriller, it serves as a metaphorical exploration of how we let the ghosts of our past haunt our new beginnings. The story follows Carlo, whose life is upended when his deceased ex-girlfriend seemingly returns to sabotage his new romance. This 1990s retro-shocker uses high-stakes horror to mirror the very real, often frightening intensity of adolescent emotions. It is appropriate for middle and high schoolers who enjoy fast-paced, suspenseful mysteries. Parents might choose it to open a dialogue about healthy boundaries, the importance of letting go, and the difference between genuine love and obsessive possession, all wrapped in an entertaining, spooky package.