Things I Should Have Known

Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with the weight of family responsibility or feeling guilty about their own upcoming independence. While many stories focus on the individual with a disability, this narrative centers on the 'typical' sibling who feels she must sacrifice her own happiness to ensure her sister's well-being. It is a nuanced look at the transition to adulthood through the lens of neurodivergence, guilt, and the realization that everyone deserves a shot at their own life. Chloe is a popular high school senior who spent her life protecting her older, autistic sister, Ivy. As college looms, Chloe's fear that Ivy will be lonely leads her to orchestrate a romance for her sister, only to realize that Ivy's needs and desires are more complex than she assumed. The book handles teen romance and social hierarchies with a realistic touch, making it ideal for readers aged 12 and up who are navigating their own shifting family dynamics.