We Are the Ants

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is struggling with profound existential dread, the aftermath of a traumatic loss, or the feeling that nothing in life truly matters. It is a vital resource for parents of teens who feel like outsiders or are battling the heavy weight of depression and isolation. The story follows Henry, a boy who is periodically abducted by aliens and given the chance to save the world from an impending apocalypse by simply pressing a red button. However, grieving the suicide of his boyfriend and dealing with a fractured family, Henry is not sure the world is worth saving. This is a deeply emotional, gritty, and raw exploration of nihilism versus hope. It deals with heavy themes like bullying, grief, and sexual identity with unflinching honesty. Parents might choose this book to open a dialogue about mental health and the importance of finding small reasons to keep going when life feels unbearable.