The False Prince (Ascendance, #1)

Reach for this book when your middle schooler feels like they are constantly performing for others or struggling to define their own identity under pressure. It is an ideal choice for a child who feels like an outsider and needs to see that intelligence and defiance can be powerful tools for survival. The story follows Sage, a defiant orphan forced into a lethal competition to impersonate a long lost prince. Beyond the high stakes political intrigue, the narrative explores deep emotional themes of trust, resilience, and the cost of secrecy. While the world is one of swords and crowns, the emotional core is about a boy trying to maintain his sense of self while the world tries to mold him into something else. It is a sophisticated read for ages 10 to 14, offering a masterclass in unreliable narration that encourages critical thinking and observation.