The Name Drop

Reach for this book when your teen feels stifled by the pressure of living up to your expectations or feels like their true identity is hidden behind a label or a grade. It is a heartfelt contemporary story about two Korean American teens who, through a technical mix-up at a prestigious tech internship, swap identities to pursue their own goals: one seeking freedom from a demanding father and the other chasing a path to a top-tier college. The story explores the heavy weight of the 'model minority' myth, the complexity of immigrant family dynamics, and the courage it takes to be honest with oneself. It is highly appropriate for high schoolers, offering a relatable look at the high-stakes world of corporate internships while balancing a sweet, budding romance with deeper themes of self-discovery and cultural belonging.