Yesterday

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager begins to question the status quo or expresses anxiety about the future of our planet. It is an ideal pick for the teen who feels like an outsider or who is struggling to reconcile the history they have been taught with the world they see around them. The story follows Freya, who wakes up in 2063 after living in 1985, only to find herself trapped in a high tech, dystopian world governed by strict rules and environmental decay. At its heart, this is a story about the search for truth and the courage required to claim one's own identity. It explores themes of trust, systemic control, and the moral weight of environmental stewardship. While the setting is futuristic, the emotional core deals with the universal adolescent experience of seeking independence and deciding which authorities to trust. It is a sophisticated read for older teens who enjoy high stakes mysteries and social commentary.