Deadly

Reach for this book when your teenager is pushing against traditional gender roles or feels like an outsider because of their intellectual passions. Set in 1906 New York, the story follows Prudence, a young woman who defies societal expectations by working in a scientific laboratory during the hunt for the source of a typhoid outbreak. It is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy medical mysteries and historical settings. The book explores the tension between scientific progress and human rights, especially regarding the treatment of Mary Mallon. While it deals with illness and death, it focuses on the empowerment found through curiosity, critical thinking, and finding one's purpose. It is a sophisticated, diary-style read that encourages teens to question authority and follow their own path.