The Patchwork People

A parent might reach for this book when their teen is questioning societal fairness or feels a sense of disconnection despite material comforts. In a bleak future Wales, a group of unemployed young people called the Patchwork People survive on the margins. Their lives intersect with Helena, a wealthy girl who feels just as trapped by her sterile, privileged existence. The story explores the unlikely connections they forge and their shared search for purpose in a broken world. This book delves into themes of resilience, belonging across class divides, and what it truly means to be rich or poor. It's a thoughtful read for teens 12-15, offering a character-driven alternative to action-heavy dystopian novels and sparking deep conversations about consumerism, community, and social justice.