The Truth About Forever

Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling with the aftermath of a major loss and seems to be retreating into a shell of perfectionism or rigid control. It is an ideal choice for the teen who feels they have to keep it all together while grieving, or for one who is having trouble connecting with their parents during a family transition. The story follows Macy Queen, a high schooler who has spent months following a strict, predictable routine after her father's sudden death. When she takes a summer job with a chaotic, warmhearted catering crew, she meets Wes, a boy with his own complicated history who helps her realize that life is found in the messy, unplanned moments. This contemporary novel is appropriate for high schoolers, offering a sensitive and realistic look at how we process grief and find the courage to be vulnerable again. Parents will appreciate how it validates the difficulty of loss while modeling healthy, transformative friendships.