Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating

Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with the exhaustion of code-switching or feeling like they must perform a specific version of their identity to be accepted. While the plot follows a classic fake dating trope, the heart of the story lies in the struggle of being 'brown enough' for your community and 'queer enough' for your friends. It is a nuanced look at how cultural expectations and peer pressure intersect, specifically through the eyes of two girls navigating their South Asian heritage in Ireland. As a romance, it is sweet and age-appropriate for ages 12 and up, but its true value is in its psychological depth. It validates the lonely experience of having your identity questioned by those closest to you. Parents will appreciate how it models the importance of standing up to toxic friendships and finding strength in one's own skin, even when it feels like the whole world is watching.