The Walls Around Us

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is wrestling with the heavy emotional burden of guilt, the complexity of friendship, or a deep sense of social injustice. It is particularly suited for teens who feel like they are hiding their true selves or who are questioning the fairness of the world around them. The story follows two girls in a juvenile detention center and a third on the outside who is destined for a prestigious ballet career, weaving a ghostly mystery that explores how secrets can haunt us. While the book is a psychological thriller with supernatural elements, its core is a profound look at the lines between 'good' and 'guilty.' It is appropriate for mature teens due to its dark themes of incarceration and murder, offering a safe space to discuss accountability and the long shadows cast by our mistakes.