The Miles Between

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is feeling overwhelmed by the toxic pressures of academic or social competition, or when they are questioning the morality of the systems they live within. The story follows ninety-nine boys in a mandatory, lethal walking contest where the last one standing wins everything, and the others face a grim fate. It is a stark exploration of endurance, the value of human life, and the bonds of friendship formed under impossible stress. Given its intense horror elements and psychological weight, it is best suited for mature teens aged 14 and up. Parents might choose this to spark deep conversations about empathy, the dangers of 'winning at all costs', and how to maintain one's humanity when the world feels increasingly cold and competitive.