The Peculiars

Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with the feeling of being an outsider or questioning their family heritage. It is particularly powerful for kids who feel like their physical appearance or internal quirks make them 'misfits' in a world that prizes conformity. The story follows eighteen-year-old Lena as she ventures into the mysterious territory of Scree to find her estranged father and uncover the truth about her own unusual physical traits. Set in a richly imagined, turn-of-the-century landscape, the novel explores themes of prejudice, self-acceptance, and the courage required to define one's own identity. While it contains elements of fantasy and steampunk, the emotional core is deeply grounded in the universal adolescent struggle to belong. It is most appropriate for readers aged 12 and up who enjoy atmospheric mysteries and stories about standing up against systemic unfairness.