What I Carry

Reach for this book if your teen uses self reliance as a shield or struggles to let people get close due to past disappointments. It is a deeply empathetic look at the foster care experience through the eyes of Muir, a seventeen year old who has mastered the art of packing light, both physically and emotionally, to survive a system that has never offered her a permanent home. As she enters her final placement before aging out, she is forced to confront the walls she has built to protect herself. This story explores themes of trust, chosen family, and the courage it takes to belong. While it deals with the realities of the foster system, it remains a hopeful and grounded read for mature middle schoolers and high schoolers. It is an excellent choice for fostering empathy and discussing the various definitions of family.