About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager is experiencing the all consuming intensity of a first relationship or when they are struggling to feel like they fit in at school. Set in the 1980s, it follows two high school misfits, Eleanor and Park, who find a sanctuary in each other through shared interests in comic books and alternative music. While the romance is tender and nostalgic, the story also addresses heavy realities, including poverty, severe bullying, and a frightening domestic situation involving an abusive stepfather. It is a raw, emotionally complex read best suited for ages 14 and up due to mature themes and language. Parents might choose this to open a dialogue about healthy versus toxic relationships, the importance of empathy, and the resilience required to survive difficult home lives.
