Watch Over Me

Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with the transition to adulthood, particularly if they are processing a history of family instability or childhood trauma. It is a poignant choice for readers who feel out of place and are looking for a story that acknowledges the difficulty of moving forward when the past refuses to stay buried. The story follows Mila, a young woman aging out of foster care, who takes a job on a remote farm only to find herself haunted by literal and metaphorical ghosts. Nina LaCour explores deep themes of loneliness, belonging, and the resilience required to heal from emotional abuse. While the story contains supernatural elements, they serve as a grounded exploration of psychological trauma. It is a sophisticated, atmospheric read that provides representation for foster youth and validates the complex emotions of survival and self-discovery. Parents will find it a gentle but honest bridge for discussing how we carry our histories with us into our futures.