The Kite Runner

Reach for this book when your teenager is navigating the complex terrain of regret, the burden of a past mistake, or the difficult process of seeking forgiveness. This powerful novel follows Amir, a young boy in Afghanistan, whose life is forever altered by a single moment of cowardice and betrayal toward his loyal friend, Hassan. As the story moves from the peaceful streets of 1970s Kabul to modern-day America and back to a war-torn homeland, it explores the deep bonds between fathers and sons and the enduring hope for redemption. Because it contains intense themes including sexual violence and the harsh realities of war, it is best suited for mature teens. It offers a profound opportunity to discuss why we fail those we love and how we can find a way to be good again.