The November Criminals

Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling with the performative nature of college applications or feeling cynical about the senselessness of loss. It follows Addison Schacht, a high school senior who uses his University of Chicago application essay to process the unsolved murder of a classmate. While the story is framed as a mystery, it is truly a deep dive into teenage maladjustment and the search for authentic meaning in a world that feels increasingly hollow. The narrative explores complex grief, the ethics of drug dealing, and the blurred lines between friendship and romance. Parents should note the heavy use of profanity and drug use, as the book is a gritty, realistic look at adolescent rebellion. It is an excellent choice for facilitating honest conversations about identity, morality, and the transition to adulthood.