The Justice Project

Reach for this book when your teenager is facing a sudden, identity-shifting disappointment or a physical injury that has derailed their future plans. It speaks directly to the painful transition of losing a dream and the necessity of finding a new sense of purpose when the old one is gone. The story follows Matt, a high school football star whose career ends with a knee injury, leading him to an internship with a legal organization that works to exonerate the wrongly convicted. It is a compelling exploration of justice, systemic flaws, and personal resilience. Parents will appreciate the way it models integrity and the shift from self-focus to advocacy. While it deals with the heavy realities of the legal system and wrongful imprisonment, it is written with a hopeful, fast-paced tone appropriate for ages 12 and up.