Whippoorwill

Reach for this book when you notice your teen becoming more observant of the world around them, or if they are beginning to navigate the complex realization that a peer's home life may be vastly different from their own. It is a vital resource for starting conversations about the invisible signs of domestic struggle and the moral courage required to speak up when something feels wrong. In this sensitive contemporary novel, Claire and Danny form an unlikely bond while rehabilitating a neglected dog named Wally. As the dog begins to heal and trust again, Claire slowly realizes that Danny's stoicism and isolation are rooted in an abusive household. Through the lens of animal rescue, the story explores heavy themes of resilience, empathy, and the weight of keeping secrets. It is most appropriate for readers aged 12 and up due to realistic depictions of emotional and physical abuse, but it offers a hopeful roadmap for how friendship can provide a lifeline during dark times.