Never Ever After

Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with the transition to adulthood and feeling the weight of societal or family expectations. It is a powerful choice for young people who feel like outsiders or who are struggling to define their own moral compass in a world that often rewards ruthless ambition over personal integrity. This dark, East Asian inspired reimagining of Cinderella follows Yining, a girl forced into thievery to survive after the loss of her protector. As she enters the treacherous world of the imperial palace, she must navigate a dangerous web of political intrigue and choose between the easy path of power and the difficult path of her own truth. The story explores themes of resilience, the complexity of grief, and the importance of self-reliance. While it contains the romance and magic of a fairy tale, its emotional core is firmly rooted in the high stakes of finding one's place in an unforgiving world, making it an excellent bridge for teens navigating their own complex social landscapes.