Touching Darkness

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager feels isolated by their unique perspective or is struggling to find a group where they truly belong. It is a perfect choice for the adolescent who feels they see the world differently than their peers and needs to know that their 'strangeness' might actually be their greatest strength. The story follows a group of teenagers in Bixby, Oklahoma, who are the only ones awake during a secret 25th hour at midnight. As they navigate this dangerous, frozen world, they uncover a dark conspiracy involving the town's history and their own families. While the plot is a fast-paced supernatural thriller, the emotional core focuses on loyalty, the burden of secrets, and the transition from childhood innocence to the complex realities of the adult world. It deals with themes of trust and the ethics of power in a way that respects a teenager's intelligence. Due to some intense suspense and dark imagery involving 'slithers' and 'darklings,' it is best suited for readers aged 12 and up who enjoy atmospheric mysteries with a touch of horror.