We Didn't Ask for This

Reach for this book when your teenager expresses a deep sense of powerlessness regarding the global climate crisis or feels that adult-led institutions are failing their generation. It is an ideal choice for a young person who wants to see their eco-anxiety validated and transformed into action. The story takes place at an international school in Mexico City during a model UN event that is interrupted by a catastrophic storm. Trapped within the school, a group of students decides to stage a peaceful sit-in to demand real environmental change from the adults in charge. Through multiple perspectives, the novel explores the complexity of activism, the weight of inherited problems, and the courage it takes to stand up for one's future. It is a sophisticated, realistic portrayal of youth leadership and the emotional toll of caring about the world.