Zazoo

Reach for this book when your teenager begins to notice the silent burdens or unexplained sadness in the older generations of your family. It is a poetic resource for navigating the discovery that our heroes are flawed, human, and often shaped by historical traumas we can barely imagine. Set in the lush French countryside, the story follows Zazoo, a Vietnamese adoptee, as she uncovers the secrets her beloved Grand-Pierre has kept about his life during World War II. Through lyrical prose and a slow-burning mystery, the novel explores how love and forgiveness can bridge the gap between a painful past and a hopeful future. It is a sophisticated read for ages 12 and up, perfect for fostering empathy and understanding regarding cultural identity and the long shadows of war.