The Forbidden Orchid

Reach for this book when your teen is grappling with the heavy pressure of family expectations or feeling the need to prove their worth in a male-dominated environment. Set against the backdrop of the 19th-century Opium Wars, it follows Elodie, a young woman who journeys from England to China to find a rare orchid that could save her family from financial ruin. The story beautifully navigates themes of resilience, the complexity of the father-daughter bond, and the courage required to step into the unknown. It is highly appropriate for older middle schoolers and high schoolers who enjoy historical fiction with a strong, capable female lead. Parents will appreciate the way it balances high-stakes adventure with deep emotional maturity and historical accuracy.