When We Make It

Reach for this book when your teenager is feeling the friction of living between two worlds, struggling with the pressure of family expectations, or questioning how to break cycles of poverty without losing their roots. Set in Bushwick, Brooklyn, this novel in verse follows Sarai as she navigates the complexities of her Puerto Rican identity, her mother's mental health struggles, and the systemic challenges of her environment. It is a raw and honest exploration of resilience, shame, and the healing power of finding one's voice through poetry. Parents will appreciate the way it validates the difficulty of 'making it' while maintaining deep love for one's community and heritage. It is best suited for older teens due to its mature themes and realistic portrayal of urban hardship.