Ziggy Stardust & Me

Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling with the weight of social expectations or the fear that their true self is something that needs to be fixed. It is a powerful resource for families navigating conversations about identity, self-acceptance, and the courage it takes to resist peer pressure. Set in 1973, the story follows Jonathan, a boy undergoing conversion therapy who finds a lifeline through the music of David Bowie and a transformative connection with a boy named Web. This is a deeply emotional historical novel that tackles themes of shame and loneliness while offering a path toward hope and healing. It is best suited for older teens (14 and up) due to its honest portrayal of the era's prejudices. Parents will find it a valuable tool for normalizing feelings of being different and celebrating the restorative power of art and authentic friendship.