The Raft

A parent should reach for this book when their teenager is feeling powerless in the face of a personal crisis or is struggling to recognize their own internal strength. While it is a high-stakes survival story, the core of the narrative is about a young girl discovering she is capable of more than she ever imagined. It speaks to the psychological transition from being someone who is looked after to being someone who must act to save themselves and others. The story follows Robie, a fifteen-year-old who finds herself the sole survivor of a plane crash in the Pacific Ocean, trapped on a raft with an unconscious co-pilot. As she battles dehydration, sharks, and isolation, she must confront her own guilt and fear. This is an excellent choice for a teen who enjoys fast-paced, immersive thrillers but could benefit from a story about resilience, grit, and the profound human will to survive against all odds.