The Glow Stone

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is struggling to process a family tragedy or expressing a quiet, growing fear that they might inherit a relative's struggle with mental illness. It is an essential choice for families navigating the aftermath of a loss to suicide or severe depression, offering a bridge for conversations that often feel too heavy to start. The story follows fifteen year old Phoebe as she deals with the death of her favorite uncle, a geologist who shared her love for caving. As Phoebe explores the literal darkness of a cave, she confronts the metaphorical darkness of her family history. This realistic novel is appropriate for middle and high schoolers, providing a grounded and compassionate look at how grief and genetics intersect with a young person's search for identity.