Lou with the Band

Reach for this book when your teenager is itching for independence, questioning their future, or feeling trapped by their hometown identity. This story follows Lou, a Cuban-American girl from Texas who defers her first semester of college to work as a roadie on a global concert tour. As she travels through Asia and Europe, she navigates the grit and glamour of life on the road while wrestling with who she wants to be versus who she has always been. It is an ideal choice for parents of older teens (14+) who are navigating the transition to adulthood. The story explores the complexities of long-distance friendships, the rush of first love, and the realization that finding yourself often requires stepping far outside your comfort zone. It offers a realistic, sophisticated look at self-discovery without being overly cynical.