The Debutante

Reach for this book when your teenager is facing a major life transition, such as a family relocation or a school change that feels like a total culture shock. Annie McRae's journey from a field-hockey-playing Northerner to an Alabama debutante captures the frustration of losing one's social standing and the fear of losing one's identity. This story explores the nuance of belonging, showing that one can adapt to new traditions without betraying their core self. It is a realistic, contemporary look at peer pressure and regional cultural gaps, ideal for ages 12 and up. Parents will appreciate the focus on emotional resilience and the discovery that first impressions are often wrong.