The Letter Writer

Reach for this book when your teenager is beginning to question the gaps in their own family history or the ethics of the adults around them. Set against the backdrop of the Nat Turner slave rebellion in 1831, the story follows Harriet, a young girl whose gift for writing makes her an accidental witness to the brewing storm of history. As she pens letters for those who cannot read or write, she discovers that words carry immense power and dangerous consequences. It is a sophisticated look at moral ambiguity, the weight of keeping secrets, and the courage required to stand up for justice when the law of the land is unjust. This novel is best suited for older middle schoolers and high school students who are ready to engage with the harsh realities of American history through a nuanced, human lens.