We Are Lost and Found

A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is exploring their identity or asking difficult questions about the history of the LGBTQ+ community and the AIDS crisis. This verse novel follows Michael, a seventeen year old living in New York City in 1986, as he navigates a world of fear, club culture, and the search for a chosen family. It addresses the heavy weight of a community in crisis while emphasizing the vital importance of friendship and self acceptance. While the historical setting is specific, the emotional core of seeking belonging and navigating parental rejection is deeply relatable for modern teens. It is a poignant, sophisticated read recommended for ages 14 and up due to its mature themes and realistic depiction of a frightening era in history.