About This Book
Reach for this book when your child begins questioning the 'rules' of their social world or expresses anxiety about their changing body. Jena lives in a rigid, isolated community where girls are physically manipulated to stay small enough to harvest stones from a mountain. This haunting story explores themes of bodily autonomy, the ethics of tradition, and the courage required to challenge a system you were taught to love. It is a powerful tool for discussing how societal expectations can sometimes conflict with personal health and truth. While the setting is dystopian, the emotional core is deeply grounded in the transition from childhood obedience to adolescent self-advocacy. It is most appropriate for mature middle grade readers ready for high-stakes moral dilemmas.
