Dig

A parent should reach for this book when their teenager begins questioning the inherited biases of their family or feels disconnected from their own history and privilege. This surreal and deeply moving novel follows five estranged cousins who are all struggling with the toxic legacy of their racist, wealthy grandparents. Through shifting perspectives, the story explores themes of white supremacy, generational trauma, and the courage it takes to break away from a family's harmful past. While the narrative uses some absurdist elements, it deals with very real issues of identity and social justice. It is best suited for older teens (14 to 18) who are ready for a challenging, nonlinear reading experience that does not shy away from uncomfortable truths. It is an excellent choice for starting difficult but necessary conversations about how we can acknowledge our past while choosing to build a different, more equitable future.