Venom

Reach for this book when your teenager expresses a desire for autonomy or feels stifled by the expectations of their future. Set in Renaissance Venice, it follows Cass, a young woman who rebels against an arranged marriage to investigate a series of mysterious deaths. The story touches on themes of independence, the courage to seek truth, and the complexity of first love. Parents will appreciate the historical detail and the way it handles the transition from girlhood to adulthood. It is most appropriate for high schoolers due to its romantic tension and darker mystery elements, serving as a gateway to discussing how one balances personal safety with the pursuit of a meaningful life.