Inside Out

Reach for this book when your teen is struggling with a sense of isolation or feels disillusioned by the social 'systems' they see around them. Inside Out introduces Trella, a cynical but highly skilled girl living in a rigid, underground society where people are divided by class and assigned to lifelong manual labor. As she navigates a world of literal and figurative walls, the story explores deep themes of systemic injustice, the importance of skepticism, and the vulnerability required to trust others. It is an excellent choice for readers who feel like outsiders, offering a protagonist who values logic and self-reliance while slowly learning that true change requires community and purpose. The dystopian setting provides a safe distance to discuss real-world issues of classism and propaganda.