Winger

A parent would reach for this book when their teenage son feels like a social underdog or is struggling to bridge the gap between being a kid and becoming a man. Winger follows Ryan Dean West, a fourteen year old junior at a boarding school who is younger and smaller than his peers. He navigates the complexities of unrequited love, locker room dynamics, and the intense pressure of high school sports. While the book is hilariously relatable for teens, it deals with mature themes including sexuality, heavy profanity, and a sudden, life altering tragedy. It is best suited for older teens (14 and up) who are ready for a raw, honest look at the messy reality of growing up and the weight of personal identity.