Plague in the Mirror

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is struggling with the pressure of comparison or feeling like they are living in someone else's shadow. It speaks to the universal adolescent desire to break free from expectations and find a unique sense of self. The story follows May, a girl in modern Florence who discovers a time portal and a doppelganger from the era of the Black Death. As May navigates a romance with a historical painter and a dangerous identity swap, the book explores deep themes of jealousy, trust, and the courage required to claim one's own life. While the historical plague setting adds a layer of intensity, the focus remains on the emotional resilience needed to confront one's own darker impulses. It is an excellent choice for mature middle schoolers and high schoolers who enjoy atmospheric mysteries with a touch of romance.