This Thing Called the Future

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is struggling to bridge the gap between their modern aspirations and their family's traditional expectations, especially while facing the heavy weight of a parent's illness. Set in contemporary South Africa, the story follows Khosi, a bright fourteen-year-old girl who dreams of a future in science and medicine while navigating the realities of a post-apartheid township where ancestors, witches, and traditional healers hold significant power. The book deals with complex themes of HIV/AIDS, poverty, and the tension between science and tradition with honesty and grace. It is highly appropriate for older middle schoolers and high schoolers who are beginning to question their place in the world and how to honor their roots without being limited by them. Parents will find it a valuable tool for normalizing conversations about health crises, financial hardship, and the courage required to define one's own path.