The Truth of Right Now

Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling to reconcile a painful past event with their current identity, or when they feel like their mistakes define their entire future. Kara Lee Corthron offers a poignant look at Lily, a high schooler carrying the weight of a traumatic reputation, and Dari, a talented young artist who sees her for who she truly is. This is a story about the healing power of connection and the courage it takes to be vulnerable when you have been hurt before. It is an ideal choice for parents of older teens (ages 14+) who are navigating the complexities of first love, mental health, and the social pressures of high school life. Through its realistic depiction of grief and resilience, the book provides a roadmap for finding stability and self-worth in the midst of chaos. It opens vital doors for conversations about boundaries, honesty, and the importance of having a creative outlet to process difficult emotions.