When Morning Comes

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is starting to ask deep questions about systemic injustice, the ethics of protest, or how young people can impact history. Set against the backdrop of the 1976 Soweto Uprising in South Africa, this novel follows four teenagers from vastly different backgrounds as their lives collide during a pivotal moment of revolution. It is an intense, gritty exploration of racial tension and personal sacrifice that feels incredibly relevant to modern social justice movements. While the historical setting is specific, the emotional core focuses on the universal struggle of finding one's moral compass when the world is on fire. Because of its depiction of police violence and the harsh realities of apartheid, this is best suited for mature readers aged 14 and up. Parents might choose this to bridge the gap between historical fact and emotional truth, providing a starting point for discussions about what it means to be an ally and the cost of standing up for what is right.