Wishbone

A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is struggling with body image or feeling the weight of restrictive gender roles. It is an essential choice for families navigating the specific pressures of cultural expectations and the harmful effects of fat-shaming. Through the alternating perspectives of a modern teen and her great aunt 45 years prior, the story explores how women in the same family find the courage to speak up for themselves. This novel is a powerful tool for building self-confidence and healing generational shame. It is most appropriate for high school students due to its mature handling of systemic misogyny and emotional bullying, offering a hopeful roadmap for reclaiming one's identity and body autonomy.